CANCER sufferers and survivors have come together in an 'empowering' project where they have bared (almost) all to reassure others and raise charity funds.

The 'Knocker Jotter' contains images of 16 women, all of whom are members of Phoenix, an online support group supported by CancerCare.

Each of the women has been, or is, going through the harrowing journey of cancer - the diagnosis, treatment and the side effects.

The idea was born after Andrea Partridge, CancerCare’s volunteer and engagement co-ordinator, and Sarah Drake, a volunteer at the charity, met a woman who was terrified at the prospect of undergoing a double mastectomy and reconstruction as part of her breast cancer treatment.

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Andrea and Sarah had both been through the same illness and they took the time to talk to her and offer reassurance.

"We all walked off to the disabled toilets and we were showing our boobs and reconstruction," Andrea explained. "She said: 'It's just completely put my mind at ease and now I know what to expect and what it's going to look like'."

With that in mind, the pair came up with the Knocker Jotter book, offering an alternative to the 'clinical' images that medical books offered.

Vikki Billows, from Kendal, was one of those who took part in the photoshoot.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2015. Struggling with her diagnosis, she joined Phoenix for support and when the idea was suggested she agreed to take part in the photoshoot.

"I just thought had I been able to see what my scars looked like afterwards it would have given me a little bit more confidence before the operation," she said.

"To be honest I felt like an alien [during treatment] so when somebody came up with this I thought I could not possibly but then I thought if it just helps one person then it's worth the embarrassment for me."

Andrea described the photoshoot as an 'empowering experience' that gave the women a chance to be 'proud' of who they were.

Vikki, 47, has now had the all clear. She said that she hopes the images prove to others going through the same thing that there is 'life' after cancer.

"It made me feel like there is life after cancer diagnosis," she said. "And you can feel good about yourself again and the scars do heal."

The Jotter was sponsored by BSG solicitors and is now available to purchase for £10 from CancerCare by dropping in to Slynedales or call 01524 381820, email kj@cancercare.org.uk or visit http://www.cancercare.org.uk/knocker-jotter