When doctors told Louise Butcher she had lobular breast cancer, her world collapsed.
But instead of hiding, she chose to strip away the stigma - literally.
Known online as The Topless Runner, Louise runs marathons, half-marathons, and 10Ks topless, using her body as a living message of strength, survival, and self-acceptance.
In this raw and powerful interview, Louise opens up about:
- Her lifelong struggles with anxiety, OCD, and health fears
- The trauma and turning points that shaped her life
- Why she chose not to have breast reconstruction
- What running topless really represents - and why it’s not about shock
- How losing control helped her finally find peace
This episode isn’t just about cancer - it’s about courage, control, and what it means to truly live free from shame.
Follow Louise on Instagram @louisebutcher39
Buy her book Going Topless on Amazon here.
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We all want to be happy, healthy and fulfilled.
The question is: how?
Project Possible, hosted by me, Rich Leigh, explores this question with incredible guests from the world of business, sport, entertainment, health and psychology.
Between the second and third series, I made the decision to go full-time on this show.
I sold my successful 10 year old PR agency after my youngest brother Jordan took his own life. I realised that I needed to run towards passion, purpose and positive impact, and my dream of this being my career.
Possibilists, pull up a pew.
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Follow on IG: https://www.instagram.com/richleighpod
Email: hello@projectpossiblepod.com
The Project Possible website: http://www.projectpossiblepod.com