Michelle Heaton admits she became a 'shell of herself' after hysterectomy at 35

25 October 2023 , 18:08

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Michelle Heaton admits she became a 'shell of herself' after hysterectomy at 35

Michelle Heaton showed off her amazing toned size 6 figure for a special Hollywood makeover for a Breast Cancer Now.

Looking more like Kate Middleton than the mud soaked Celebrity SAS cadet she was seen as on the recent Channel 4 series, she donned a stunning, beaded electric blue, off the shoulder gown to launch a year-long fashion fundraiser.

Mum-of-two Michelle, 44, who has recently recovered from swamp eye, contracted while filming Celebrity SAS, says she was delighted to glam up and model for the “Still Me” themed Breast Cancer Now photo-shoot with proceeds from the Raishma Breast Cancer Now collection going to the star's favourite charity.

Michelle, who now works as a motivational speaker, was diagnosed 12 years ago with the BRCA2 mutation gene, which meant she had up to an 85% chance of contracting breast cancer at an early age.

Michelle Heaton admits she became a 'shell of herself' after hysterectomy at 35 (Sanjay Jogia)

Michelle has faced many struggles in recent years (Sanjay Jogia)

She went on to have a double mastectomy and later a hysterectomy, admitting she would have 'done anything' to save her life. Michelle’s paternal grandmother and great grandmother both had breast and ovarian cancer in their ‘30’s.

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Speaking about how her years of dealing with health issues has impacted her, she says: “I had a total hysterectomy when I was 35 because I had the risk of ovarian cancer at an early age due to my genes - I went into immediate menopause. I really struggled even getting out of bed – the lethargy from the menopause was horrendous. It was just crippling.

"Hugh my husband really could see me go from a young woman into a shadow of myself. He had already supported me through the double mastectomy and it was a dark time for us. He is my absolute hero and been there for me over the last 15 years through thick and thin. I had no friends my own age to talk to about it as most women are much older. Nothing could have prepared me. People were just not talking about the menopause like they are now.

“Fortunately, I now have testosterone via an implant which has made a big difference to my energy, sanity and muscle tone. I have it in my bum as it has to be where there is some fat, so it can be absorbed well. I get it privately because like a lot of women not all the HRT we want and need is available on the NHS. We are still getting educated on it all. It has been a game-changer and improved my muscle tone, mood and energy.”

Joining Michelle at the photoshoot by top photographer Sanjay Jogia, were five women from around the UK, aged between 34 and 71, all affected by breast cancer - Christine Hyde from Warrington; Dalia Ismail from Wokingham; Angela Jones from Scotland; Kam Maan from Nottingham and Sue Westgate, from Cumbria.

Michelle is an Ambassador for Breast Cancer Now (Sanjay Jogia)

Michelle says: “On paper, I really should have died years ago but there’s an angel out there keeping an eye on me and I’m so grateful. Every day I know I am lucky to be alive and here for my daughter Faith and son AJ. October is breast cancer awareness month, but for anyone affected by breast cancer, every month, every day, every hour matters."

Designer Raishma, a favourite with a host of top celebrities, including Strictly’s Amy Dowden, Amanda Holden and Susanna Reid, said: “Michelle and all the ladies are an absolute inspiration. Fashion plays an important role in boosting any woman’s confidence, especially when facing health struggles.”

Michelle is an Ambassador for Breast Cancer Now and is promoting the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, Scotland - a new prize draw raising vital funds and awareness for Breast Cancer Now.Enter before midnight 29 October 2023 here.

Collette Walsh