Meet Annabel Reynaud

In a nutshell...

Annabel is a warm, bright, attractive lady who has been married to her husband Mark for the past 5 years and been together for 16. They have a 2 year old son Eddie and live in Walthamstow, London.

Tell us a bit more about yourself...

I have always lived in or around London and grew up in Hertfordshire. Once I had finished school I got a place at the University of London to study History. It was whilst I was at University that I met Mark, in a club in Camden. I was 19 at the time. 16 years on and we have now been happily married for 5 years and have our beautiful son, Eddie, who is nearly three.

I have worked in the charity sector for over 10 years, mainly for disability charities, in various fundraising and marketing management roles.

I have recently started a new post as a Fundraiser for a counselling charity. The organisation provides support for children and adults suffering from emotional and mental health issues on low income, in the deprived borough of Tower Hamlets.

I juggle this part time role with being a mother-a position I love! I love making things with my son, painting, reading , baking and exploring - be it Walthamstow or the world! I have a real passion for travelling. When Eddie was just 9 months old we were lucky enough to go to Hong Kong and Australia, and last year took him to Kenya, a place now very dear to our hearts! He is so chilled out and easier to take on the road! I try to make the most of life and hope to see as much as I can with Mark and Eddie. Other things I enjoy are going to the theatre, cooking,and fashion.

try to stay fit and enjoy walking and the odd run when I can find time! I have also recently taken part in Denise ( Van Outen) and Fearne's (Cotten) Trek to Peru to raise funds and awareness for Breast Cancer Care. This is a charity dear to my heart, as when I was first diagnosed I was devastated, fearful of the future and my thoughts instantly turned to Eddie. Speaking to Breast Cancer Care really helped me and allowed me to turn this into 'just an illness that I would get through'.

I want to raise funds for Breast Cancer Care so that they can give more women like me help to find that turning point, and hope at a bleak time. So when I heard about the celebrity trek I thought this would be an ideal way to do so! When I found out I had been shortlisted I was really surprised, and I was then filmed for a screen test, so hte process took a few months- I was so excited when I found out I was going!

It was an amazing experience. I went with a great group of people, made some strong friendships and shared some memories which I’ll cherish forever. The physical challenge was really enjoyable - including the camping experience, in such spectacular surroundings (and minus ten conditions!). I loved every minute! The country was beautiful and I will always remember the warmth and generosity of the local people. I feel lucky to have taken part and pleased that we raised so much money (over £150,000) but, most importantly, raised awareness amongst younger women. Early diagnosis is key in survival rates and if one woman gets herself checked early as a result of watching the show, it will all have been worth it.

How did you find out you had breast cancer?

I first started to think something wasn’t quite right when I was breast feeding Eddie. I noticed a lump but when I got it checked I was told it was just blocked milk ducts and nothing to worry about.

But when I stopped breast feeding when Eddie was one and returned to my normal size, a lump was more evident. I went to the doctors who referred me to the hospital for an ultrasound. I felt healthy and well in myself and thought this was just precautionary. The day at the hospital turned out to be the most surreal day…it was the hottest day of the year, beautiful outside, a strange back drop in the first place to finding out you have cancer. As I thought it was just a precautionary check I attended the appointment on my own. During the ultrasound the nurse found something she wasn’t sure about so advised I should have a mammogram.

I had to wait for what seemed like an age in the waiting room but eventually the results came through and I was referred to have an evasive biopsy, the results to which I would get two days later. I walked out of the hospital, stunned and shocked by how the day had turned around. What had started as a lovely sunny normal day had turned out to be one of the hardest days I have been through so far.

The results showed that the tumour was over 10cm so I had no choice but to have a full mastectomy. Eddie was only 17 months old at the time and my main fear was that I wouldn’t see him grow up, I still find it upsetting to think about now.

Mark was amazing through out. He has always been good at making me laugh and this really helped throughout my treatment, it made me feel like things were normal.He wrote me the most beautiful letters, which helped me to focus on our future as a family.

Why did you apply to be a Nicola Jane model?

Since being diagnosed with breast cancer I have been up for new challenges! When I visited the London shop shortly after surgery I noticed that Nicola Jane used customers as models. I think it is important to see real ladies modelling especially after you have had a mastectomy. I really wanted to show younger women who would see the catalogue that they are not alone and you can come through surgery and feel confident enough to model underwear.

Any advice for ladies reading this?

I'm not sure I'm equipped to be handing out advice! However two quotes that have helped me are:

"Promise me you'll always remember: you're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think" - (from a great philosopher- Christopher Robin to Pooh!).

"A ship is safe in harbour, but that is not what a ship is for".

...and I try not to let having had breast cancer hold me back from doing anything!