Wendy Turner-Webster, a prominent TV presenter, has participated in a topless photoshoot to honour the memory of her late best friend, Shirley Galligan. This unique project, titled BUSTOUT 100, aims to promote breast cancer awareness and raise funds for the Pink Ribbon Foundation, which supports UK charities working with those affected by the disease.
The exhibition features poignant images of 100 bare chests, comprising a mix of breast cancer survivors, individuals currently undergoing treatment, and supporters like Turner-Webster. The display is currently set up at the Firepit Art Gallery in London and will run until 5 April. Each participant's display includes their age and occupation, though faces remain anonymous. When asked about her contribution, Turner-Webster revealed, “I’ve never been asked to do anything like this before, but I thought - if other people have been brave and got their breasts out, then so will I.”
The decision to participate in this photoshoot carries significant emotional weight for Turner-Webster, as she pays tribute to Galligan, who passed away in 2023 after a battle with breast cancer that began six years earlier. Reflecting on her friend’s struggle, Turner-Webster expressed, “Breast cancer stole my best friend from me and not a day goes by that I don’t think of her.”
The duo's friendship began 30 years ago when they met on a train, bonded over their shared love for animals, and quickly became inseparable. Wendy Turner-Webster, known for her work on shows like Absolutely Animals and Pet Rescue, leaned on her friend Shirley, a PR director at the Born Free Foundation, throughout their years together. They created countless memories, from spontaneous shopping trips to wild nights out.
The onset of Shirley's illness was marked by her discovery of a lump in her breast, which initially resulted in a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. She was given the all-clear but received devastating news when her cancer returned four years ago, spreading aggressively. “I kept it together on the phone, but of course I was sobbing after the call. I was so shocked,” said Turner-Webster, recounting the moment she learned about her friend's deteriorating health.
Despite the challenges, Wendy remained a steadfast support for Shirley, attending chemotherapy sessions and oncology appointments. The two friends even planned a weekend getaway in Windsor, which provided a brief respite from the harsh realities of illness. Sadly, Shirley’s condition ultimately worsened, leading to her admission to a hospice, where Wendy continued to be at her side during her final days.
In reflecting on the exhibition, Wendy noted, “Shirley would have been tickled pink... she knew the value of publicity, so she’d have thought it was a great idea for the Pink Ribbon Foundation.” Her participation in BUSTOUT 100 stands not just as a tribute to her dear friend but also as a poignant reminder of the impact of breast cancer on individual lives and the importance of raising awareness.
The BUSTOUT 100 project seeks to bring attention to breast cancer and provides an avenue for funding vital resources for those affected. The display invites visitors to engage with the stories behind the bare chests, fostering understanding of the journey faced by many in the fight against breast cancer.
Source: Noah Wire Services