Karen Elizabeth Bucknall

Pageant Beauty Queen / Model / Charity Poster Girl

A bowel cancer survivor, with a stoma and wears a colostomy bag. Now in remission three years. I also have a benign brain tumour ( Acoustic Neuroma) I am not defined by this, I am defined by being the amazing Karen. I am the first not only in the U.K , but in the world beauty pageant Queen/ model and charity poster girl. Representing the cancer and brain tumour communities.

I am a over 50, size plus model, hidden disabilities and invisible illnesses model. Embracing the inclusion and diversity in modelling and beauty pageants.

I am a trained and qualified sociologist, broadcaster and journalist and I do a lot of published writing about living with cancer and a benign brain tumour. To raise public awareness, educate society, break down barriers, banish misconceptions and reduce the shame and stigma of living with bowel cancer, wearing a colostomy bag and living with a Barbie Bum. Also that living with a benign brain tumour, doesn’t mean you are a walking time bomb and about to keel over.

To help and support others in a similar situation.