Be Bold Be You Foundation CIO

As the only charity of its kind in the UK, Be Bold Be You Foundation – based at Studio1825 in Belper – is here to listen, celebrate and create with those who have been affected by cancer or pre-cancerous cells.

For many individuals battling cancer, ringing a bell signifies a monumental achievement – a celebration of resilience and the end of a challenging treatment journey. James and Kirsty, founders of the Be Bold Be You movement, have listened to many stories and were inspired to create the charity when they learnt that the relief of surviving cancer was often overshadowed by a complex mix of emotions: while the bell symbolizes victory, it can also mark the beginning of a new identity both physically and mentally.

Donna, for example, visited Be Bold Be You following a single mastectomy in 2020 as well as rounds of chemotherapy. ‘To say I was feeling lost is an understatement,’ said Donna. ‘The whole experience was fun, enlightening, empowering and most importantly of all I arrived a frightened little lamb and left feeling like a tiger who just found and embraced her stripes!’

Many survivors (and ‘pre-vivors’ – those with pre-cancerous cells) talked with James and Kirsty about finding themselves navigating uncharted waters; many have beaten cancer but been left with little to no support in navigating their own altered self-perceptions and changes in their bodies both physically and mentally. Inspired by the stories they’d heard, and embracing the power of photography, this unique charity aims to enhance individual self-confidence and foster a sense of acceptance. Through the lens of a camera, participants are encouraged to express their true selves, celebrating their unique stories and experiences – a form of art therapy, if you will.

Alison – a business owner and mum – visited the studio after finding out she carried the BRCA2 gene which meant she had over a 45% chance of developing breast cancer and over a 10% chance of developing ovarian cancer. She decided to have a double mastectomy. ‘I was quite self-conscious and unsure I would be happy with my body after my surgery,’ recalled Alison. ‘When I saw the end result at my photo viewing, I felt so proud and totally empowered.’

Be Bold Be You Foundation embraces its community: together we can foster a culture of acceptance and empowerment, ensuring that no one has to navigate this new chapter of their lives alone. To quote Oscar Wilde, ‘Be bold, be you. Everyone else is already taken.’

A Be Bold Be You experience costs £165 to provide. If you’re able to support their cause, or would like to refer yourself for a professional photoshoot, please visit www.beboldbeyou.co.uk