From clinic to catwalk

A woman with cystic fibrosis went into hospital for treatment one day and came out a model.

Cassie Hawthorne, 22, was visiting Birmingham Children’s Hospital when she was scouted by a photographer who was taking photos for the hospitals annual book.

She visited the photographer’s studio, which was above a model agency, who later helped Cassie land her first modelling job at the age of 16.

“When I had my first modelling job it was like a dream come true, just like it would be for any 16 year old girl. I love having my hair and make-up done and wearing fabulous clothes. I don't advertise the fact I have cystic fibrosis, so, for just a bit, I can forget about it,” she said.

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Cassie who mostly does beauty and hair pictures, as well as some television commercials says her cystic fibrosis isn’t an issue for her.

“I really enjoy it and the cystic fibrosis doesn’t really cause me any problems with it.”

Cassie, who was diagnosed with the condition when she was just a few weeks old, undergoes three hours of physiotherapy and breathing exercises daily to keep the worst symptoms away.

The former student is now ready to take on her most rewarding job yet, chosen to front this year’s Cystic Fibrosis Week.

“It is really important as it helps to raise awareness, I think there is still a lot of ignorance about cystic fibrosis. People worry that it is catching,” she said.

“It is a lot more common now as people are living longer so it is becoming more well known and a week like this really helps to raise that awareness.”

Three years ago, Cassie came down under and toured around Australia for four months, a dream come true.