'Mum is just the bravest, kindest and most selfless person I know'

Catherine Lea's mum June was diagnosed with breast cancer in September last year. As a non-smoker with no family history of cancer, it came as a huge shock to all the family, but particularly to June herself.

"Just weeks after she was diagnosed, she started treatment, marking the start of a year-long ordeal which saw her in and out of hospital for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, check-ups, surgery and more," said Catherine.

"During this time, Mum never once broke down and cried, but instead channelled her energy into 'getting on with it'.

"She always puts other people first and would do anything for family and friends. This didn't change, even when she was at her weakest.

"While her family was worrying about what she was going through, Mum just ploughed on, looking after us all and making us laugh.

"And despite her chemotherapy being on the same day as her weekly pub quiz, to everyone's amazement, she didn't miss a single quiz."

June, 66, of Driffield, recently got the all-clear, giving her time to reflect on what she has been through.

Catherine said: "I think it's become a bit overwhelming for her. She has so much praise for all the nurses, doctors and specialists at Castle Hill who looked after her so well, but she doesn't realise what a difference she made to her own health by staying positive.

"We try to treat her but she says she gets more happiness from other people being happy.

"She is the bravest, kindest, most selfless person I know and for this I think she deserves a makeover – you'll just have ensure she doesn't give the treat to someone else."

June was delighted, but a little apprehensive, about attending for her makeover, courtesy of Debenhams and Colour Lounge.

"I've never done anything like this before, so at first I was nervous," said June. "But after five minutes in Debenhams I was in my element.

"Laura, the personal shopper, really looked after me and made me feel so relaxed.

"I've only ever worn a tiny bit of eyeshadow, but haven't done anything since I started chemo. However, the girls at Colour Lounge made me look amazing."

Stylist Megan Simms said: "June didn't want anything too drastic with the colour, so I toned her natural colour with a colour gloss to add shine and to soften her natural shade.

"Her hair was cut into shape to make it easier for her to do, and it was styled with Kerastase Modelling Paste and Session Hair Spray."

Laura May, personal shopper at Debenhams, said: "When June came for her makeover, she asked for an outfit she could wear for a trip to London she had planned.

"We decided on clothes she could dress up or down and stay comfortable in all day.

"The top I selected was from our Classics collection with a blossom print and gathered detail, really showing off June's waist.

"June said she always wears straight-cut skirts, so the different, on-trend peplum-style skirt gave an elegant feel to her outfit.

"I finished the look with a timeless black cardigan and tan ladder- resistant tights.

Sasha Habbal, beauty therapist at Colour Lounge, said: "We decided to go for something fairly subtle. June told me she wears all sorts of pinks and purples so we went for a soft purple shadow on the eyelid and a slightly darker lilac on the lash line. We finished off the eyes with black mascara.

"We used a soft rose-coloured blusher to emphasise June's cheekbones and a nude colour on the lips."

"The whole day was a real buzz. It was fantastic.

"I never once broke down during my treatment but since I've had the all-clear I've felt a bit odd, so this was a huge lift.

"It's made me realise I can go shopping or pamper myself if I want to.

"I went out with my friends straight afterwards and they thought I looked fantastic.

"Thank you."

Skirt, Principles by Ben De Lisi, £35; top, Classics, £28; cardigan, Classics, £28; tights, Jasper Conran, £5, all from Debenhams, Prospect Street, Hull. Hair and make-up by Colour Lounge, Carr Lane, Hull. Call 01482 227755.