Four proud women reveal how they triumphed over life-changing secrets
A global poll showed one in five UK women are not happy with what they see in the mirror
WHETHER it’s wobbly thighs, small boobs or a mummy tummy, many women don’t like how they look.
But spare a thought for these four girls.
Each has a body secret that would hit most people’s confidence — but they don't let it get in the way of living their lives to the full.
Unlike the 80 per cent of women who are unhappy with their appearance, they say their imperfections have improved their lives.
A global poll of 10,500 women showed Brits are among the least likely to be content with their look, with only one in five happy with what they see in the mirror.
Psychologist Emma Kenny says: “Too many women become dissatisfied with one part of their body and home in on that.
“It is time for us all to look at our bodies as a whole and concentrate on the features we like.
“This will help you reprogram your brain so you become more body confident.”
These four amazing women explain to CHRISTINA EARLE why they have embraced the way they look...
Kim: Double mastectomy after breast cancer
KIM FEAST, 32, needed a double mastectomy in 2014.
She has two sons, Jack, five, and two-year-old Charlie, and lives with husband David, 37, an electrician, in Farnborough, Hants.
She says: "I had stage three breast cancer in my right breast and had a mastectomy.
"Then three months later doctors found a cancerous lump in my other boob and I needed to lose it too.
"I decided not to have a reconstruction as I couldn’t cope with any more operations.
"I’ve been inspired by Flat Friends, an organisation set up to help women who have opted to not have reconstructions after mastectomies.
";They’ve made me realise I’m not on my own and that it is possible to live a happy, healthy life without boobs.
"I am pleased to still be here for my family and my scars remind me how precious life is."
Gemma: Leg amputation after crash
A CAR accident left Gemma Trotter with 50 broken bones and her left leg shattered.
Aged just 16, she had her leg amputated and replaced with a prosthetic limb – and has since become a fitness instructor.
Gemma, now 34, from Chipstead, Surrey, says:
"Before I was involved in the car crash, I loved cycling, dancing and horse-riding. So after the op I was determined to make this new me work.
"I decided to join the gym. I loved proving to the other gym-goers that I could beat them.
"Five years ago I trained as a gym instructor, wanting to inspire others. Three years ago I ditched my prosthetic because I kept getting infections.
"It took a few months mastering some exercise with one leg. Now I love people seeing me squat a heavy barbell on one leg.
"I’ve learned how to cope with everything, from being a mum to my son Archie, six, and decorating our new home to all the household chores and shopping with one leg.
"I embrace being an amputee and have so much to be grateful for. I know I can do anything."
Related stories
Hannah: Bald after developing alopecia
MUM-of-one Hannah Pagdin, 26, from Southampton, started losing her hair five years ago. She says:
"When I found my first bald patch, I went to the GP. I was given a leaflet about alopecia and sent away.
"Within three months I had eight bald patches.
"I was devastated. Hair to a woman is like her identity. People would stare and mutter.
"It was horrible and really knocked my confidence.
"I hated the patches so I shaved my head to gain control. A year later I started losing my eyebrows, eyelashes and body hair.
"I wear a wig, draw on eyebrows and wear fake eyelashes.
"People presume I have cancer. A man told me I’ll make a beautiful angel and it’s a shame I’m dying.
"Living with it is tough but has made me a better person.
"I’m more accepting and sympathetic. I wouldn’t change it."
Charlotte: Wears ileostomy bag following bowel disease
CHARLOTTE GUINEA, 25, had her bowel removed four years ago due to an inflammatory bowel disease which saw her go to the toilet 20 times a day.
The HR worker, from Fleet, Hants, now has an ileostomy bag. She says:
"In 2013, my whole bowel was deemed toxic as toxins were leaking from it into my blood stream.
"Doctors at Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey said my condition was life or death.
"I had an eight-hour op and was then given the ileostomy bag, so I don’t have to go to the toilet the conventional way.
"I feel fine about having the bag now. At first when I was told I needed it, I worried about what it would look like.
"But I was so desperate to get my life back that I didn’t mind having it fitted.
"Having the bag means I can eat out like others my age, go on holiday and have a drink without worrying where the nearest toilet is. It really is a blessing.
"My pouch has become part of me and I’m fine with that."