Inspiring series of photos starring The Sun’s Deborah James encourages everyone show off their imperfections and celebrate their scars
The Behind The Scars project has captured more than 100 people with scars from surgery, burns and self-harm
EACH one tells a story... of childbirth, cancer, a battle with mental health.
Now, a new series of stunning photographs is encouraging people to celebrate their scars as something that makes them unique.
Sophie Mayanne, from the Cotswolds, has created a platform for those who have kept their flaws hidden, allowing them to reveal their imperfections to the world.
The hope, she said, is to inspire body confidence in others.
Among those who has posed for Sophie, is The Sun Online's columnist Deborah James, who was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer at the age of 35.
After a major op to remove a tumour in her colon, the mum-of-two had to go under the knife again earlier this year to have tumours removed from her lungs.
The surgeries have left her with impressive scars running down her tummy and back.
But, each is a reminder that she's still alive, determined to fend off cancer with every ounce of her strength.
Deborah got in touch with Sophie, after following her work on Instagram.
She said she was inspired to get involved, to encourage people to celebrate the beauty in all our flaws, and the stories they tell.
She told The Sun Online: "My body is covered in scars, representing my cancer journey.
"Each one is a reminder of how I'm kicked it head on.
"At first I hated them, I felt ugly and not very sexy.
"But as time as gone on, I'm learning to love them as they tell my story.
"Now, I carry them with pride, knowing they have built me rather than defined me.
"They remind me of how strong I have had to be, and how I will continue to face the bumpy ride ahead.
Sophie, 24, first started the Behind The Scars project as an editorial piece for Petrie magazine last year.
But, after being published dozens of people got in touch, wanting to share their scars.
She said: "I have scars, you have scars, it's these things that make us unique, different, interesting.
"The editorial sparked a great deal of interested and I had lots of people getting in touch with me wanting to tell their own stories as much as I wanted to continue to portray them.
"So I decided to continue the idea as a personal project.
"I feel the images are now more honest and have a more real, natural quality about them.
"They truly captures the beauty of the scar, big and small, its story and the essence of its bearer.”
Miss Mayanne has photographed almost 100 people for the project.
For many of the participants, it's the first time they have professionally photographed, not to mention the first time they have bravely shown off the imperfection they have previously chosen to hide.
Miss Mayanne said: “For some people we take the shoot a little more slowly, usually where it is evident they have made a big step by offering to take part, but are still unsure right up to the shoot time what they are comfortable with.
THINGS CANCER MADE ME SAY My body is covered in scars, but every one is part of my cancer story - I'm proud of them all, they're keeping me alive
“We never pressurise anyone and treat everyone's feeling with sincerity and candour.
"I think the fact they are also sharing their story helps to spur them on as well, in the knowledge that the could be helping others who have had similar experiences to themselves.
“The scars are part of our history, and in a way the road map of our lives but they don't have to define us, they can empower us.
"Our bodies are fascinating and the way they can heal is simply amazing.”
Each model taking part in the project gained their scars from a variety of ways.
Some, like Deborah, have been scarred after medical operations.
Others from self-harm, and battles with mental ill-health, as well as house fires.
Sophie said the project is already having an impact, not just with those taking part.
"I have had some really positive feedback from people who are not affected by scarring themselves, saying that it has challenged them to think differently," she explained.
“I remember someone emailing me and thanking me for educating them on the fact each scar is a story, and they are not a commodity just to be stared at, because people wear them.
"There is a human face, and mind behind every scar.
“For some people seeing the images that have already been taken has increased their own confidence, for others coming forwarded to be photographed has aided the healing process both mentally and physically.
“Some are shy, self-conscious but see this project as allowing them to take the 'next step' in their own personal journey.
"Even those that wear their scars with pride find sharing their story liberating and empowering."
The 24-year-old is now hoping to extend her project to New York City, after a number of Americans contacted her.
She has launched a to help fund the next stage of Behind The Scars.
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