At 13, Billie Williams thought she had a lingering cold, but her world was turned upside down when doctors diagnosed her with a rare form of cancer known as Hodgkin lymphoma. It all started on a family holiday in Spain, where a lump under her arm caught her attention. Initially brushing it off as a side effect of a cold, the teenager from Derbyshire was hit with the shocking truth after further tests.
Billie’s life had just begun unfolding its exciting chapters, having started her modelling journey at age 11. Yet, a lump and some persistent symptoms marked the beginning of her harrowing battle against cancer. Despite the devastating news, Billie showed incredible resilience. She found support at the Teenage Cancer Trust unit and bravely faced rounds of chemotherapy, enduring the physical and emotional toll with her family by her side.
Throughout her treatment, Billie managed to keep her spirits up, made possible by the activities and friends she found through the Teenage Cancer Trust. By December 2022, Billie had beaten cancer just in time to celebrate Christmas with her family. Her journey wasn’t just about fighting cancer but also rediscovering herself amidst the challenges.
Returning to school wasn’t easy; Billie faced unkind comments about her changed appearance, stemming from weight loss and hair thinning during treatment. Yet, she found strength and eventually re-entered school life, confident and ready to embrace normalcy once again.
Today, Billie is a shining example of courage and determination. Not only has she returned to modelling, but she’s also competing in the finals of Miss Teen Great Britain in Blackpool. She aims to inspire other young girls to pursue their dreams and embrace their self-worth, no matter the hurdles they face.
Backing the Teenage Cancer Trust’s #StillMe campaign, Billie encourages those undergoing treatment to maintain confidence in themselves. Her message is simple: illness does not define beauty. Billie’s journey shows that even in the darkest times, there’s still room for achieving amazing things and inspiring others.