Runner, 50, who had a double mastectomy following a cancer diagnosis is taking on the London Marathon topless [Video]

A mother who had a mastectomy is set to become the first woman to run the London Marathon topless.

Louise Butcher, 50, often jogs around Braunton, Devon, with her top half uncovered to raise awareness of breast cancer and treatment for the illness after she had flat closure surgery in 2022. 

The charity worker even completed a virtual London Marathon last year but now she’s set to run the real thing today.

Running without a top on has become ‘the norm’ for Louise and she plans to run the entire 26.2 mile route around the UK capital without a t-shirt, come rain or shine, in a bid to de-stigmatise her body.

Having previously worked in the music industry, Louise found her self-worth was dependent on her appearance, but since her mastectomy, she strives to challenge this beauty standard.