3 weeks Ago By Olivia Wheeler
This Morning aired a show first on Tuesday as they welcomed their guest, Louise Butcher, who ran into the studio and conducted her interview topless for an important reason. Louise was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in 2022 and has undergone a double mastectomy. Louise bravely runs marathons topless to display her mastectomy scars with pride, hoping to empower other women and raise awareness.
Ben Shephard , the host of This Morning, faced a unique situation when he had to clip the microphone onto Louise's shoulder for their live chat. "I'm not sure we've ever necessarily had to do an interview like this?" he remarked, leading Louise to query: "Is this a first?" Upon confirmation that it indeed was, Louise joyfully celebrated the groundbreaking moment: "This is amazing, my message is I'm so passionate about what I do and I work so hard to get this message out there." Expressing her gratitude, she added: "So thank you, thank you, this is just going to empower so many women out there!".
Despite her unsettling diagnosis soon after a clear mammogram three weeks prior, Louise participated in the virtual London Marathon only six weeks following her mastectomy and a mere three days after completing radiotherapy in 2022. Her commitment did not wane as she continues to run and participate in various marathons and running events, reports Wales Online. During her appearance on This Morning, Louise opened up to hosts Ben and Cat Deeley about the criticism she's faced for choosing to run topless.
She explained her stance, stating: "It's not a shock tactic but it is as it's not something you see. My family are very supportive they kind of know that I think outside the box, I have most of my life." She continued to defend her actions by saying, "I like to spark the discussion, even if it's negative, because to me that's valid because people's perceptions are different and you've got to get it out there to get discussed.
" Louise also addressed the comments she receives on social media, particularly one recurring remark: "Even comments I get on my social media, usually the one about the testicles: 'Well, if I had testicular cancer should I run around now without pants?'" She challenged this comparison by highlighting the difference: "Well how does that work as there's still bits dangling around and it's [breasts] not genitalia is it? That's the thing, another thing it brings up, what are breasts?" She further questioned societal norms by pointing out the double standards: "Men run around topless, I have no breasts, there's no nipples, what are you asking me to cover up?", adding: "They are just scars!" Taking to Twitter, now X, viewers were quick to praise Louise as one person said: "Just watched the lady doing the London marathon topless after her breast cancer fight and she’s had a mastectomy. Such a brave lady..
. good luck on Sunday #ThisMorning." A different account wrote: "Very brave and courageous lady" while another added: "She's very brave and confident.
" This Morning continues on weekdays at 10am on ITV and ITV X..
