Alex Scott has been interviewed more times than she can remember – but she hopes this one will be her most significant.
As a defender with an all-conquering Arsenal Ladies side who has earned over 100 England caps and played for Team GB at London 2012, the 29-year-old has earned her fair share of column inches.
But when she sat down for her latest interview football was off the table. To help mark The FA’s new partnership with Breast Cancer Care, Scott shared her own tragic experiences of the illness.
“If Kim had gone for the check-up earlier maybe her chances of survival would have been higher”
Alex Scott on losing a friend to breast cancer
In 2012 Scott lost her close friend Kim Short – only 36 at the time and a wife and mother of two – to breast cancer so it is a subject close to her heart.
She said: “Me and Kim grew up together and our families are still close. When I was young she would give up her weekend to take me to football at Arsenal when no one else could give me a lift.
"She was there when I received my first England letter aged 15, telling me that I was unsuccessful at trial.
"I remember what she said: 'don't worry Oppsie (her nickname for me) you will prove them wrong'.
Wembley Stadium's iconic arch has been lit up pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
"I was able to witness Kim give birth to two beautiful kids in Lauren and Luke, and we have so many good memories of time spent with her."
Scott remembers the time when Kim received the bad news.
“It all happened so fast. Kim went for a check-up, was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy, but the cancer had already spread too much and we lost her just a year and a half later.
“It was such a shock. One minute she was in our lives and the next minute she was gone. It was heartbreaking. We were all devastated.”
To help launch Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Wembley Stadium’s landmark arch has been lit up pink to support The FA and Breast Cancer Care’s new ‘Pass it on’ campaign.
Together they aim to reach hundreds of thousands more people across the country with the charity’s vital breast awareness message, while raising £500,000 to support women and men facing breast cancer.
And Scott has her own message to pass on.
She added: “I’d urge everyone to check themselves regularly and if you do find something then don’t be scared to visit a doctor.
What does Breast Cancer Care do?
- Supports anyone affected by the disease, and their family and friends
- Provides information and offers emotional and practical support
- Brings people affected by breast cancer together
- Campaigns for improvement in standards of support and care
- Promotes the importance of early detection
“If Kim had gone for the check-up earlier maybe her chances of survival would have been higher.
“It’s important to remember that it’s not just the people with cancer that are the victims – it’s the friends and family they leave behind as well. So many people have been affected by breast cancer.
“I saw what Kim and her family went through so hopefully this partnership can help raise awareness that little bit more. It’s a charity I’m fully behind and I’m sure they will continue to do even more great work.”
The FA has announced the historic England Women’s match against Germany at Wembley on Sunday 23 November will support Breast Cancer Care – the only UK-wide specialist support charity.
Breast Cancer Care will receive money from fundraising on the day while The FA will use the match to support the ‘Pass it on’ campaign across its platforms.
Check out breastcancercare.org.uk tor more information.
