A WOMAN has marked the end of her cancer treatment – including a double mastectomy – by covering her torso with beautifully intricate flower tattoos.

Jo Weems, 46, from Wensley, near Leyburn, was first diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma aged 17, but it returned in 2005 when she was pregnant with her now 14-year-old daughter, Elinor.

After undergoing chemotherapy during the pregnancy, pausing from 29 weeks until after the birth, and recovering, Mrs Weems was told she had breast cancer in 2017.

She said: "I had a lot of radiotherapy when I had Hodgkin Lymphoma, which I was warned could cause an increased risk of breast cancer. I was given an annual mammogram from age 35 to keep regular check on me.

"Then it was three days before I was due to renew my marriage vows in 2017 that I found out I had breast cancer.

"So we had the ceremony, went on holiday, and when I got back I had my first mastectomy, followed by more chemotherapy.

"That finished in December 2017, but in 2018, my doctors decided they wanted to remove the other breast because of the risk of the cancer returning."

Mrs Weems said she considered not getting the reconstructive surgery, but had definitely wanted a big tattoo to cover her body once her surgery was completed.

She said: "I was flat-chested for a while and was fine with that, but it was more that clothes didn't fit very well that made my decision. I have great admiration for women who decide not to get it.

"My plastic surgeon, Keith Allinson at James Cook University Hospital, has been fantastic, and has done several follow-up operations to make sure everything is just right.

"He had brought up the idea of getting nipples tattooed on, but I wasn't bothered about doing that, I wanted something beautiful.

"I'd had a couple of small tattoos in the past, including the word 'warrior' after my first cancer, and the breast cancer ribbon behind my ear, but I wanted something big and special.

"I went to Kelli Ryan at K2 Body Art in Richmond and she was amazing. I wanted flowers of me, my husband Paul and daughter: gerbera for me, poppy for Paul, and pink rose for Elinor.

"I wanted it subtle, not too bright, and Kelli has made it look like a work of art. I absolutely love it."