Mary Fennelly lives in Stoneyford, Co Kilkenny, with her husband Padraig and children Laura (18), Jenny (16), TJ (13) and Lynn (9). In June 2012, she was diagnosed with breast cancer “completely out of the blue” and underwent six rounds of chemotherapy followed by a mastectomy and radiotherapy.

“The hair loss was cruel,” says Mary, “and emotionally, physically and mentally you are floored. But they say you never go back to the person you were and it is life-changing. You learn what’s important, which is family and valuing each other.”

Mary credits the local communities of Stoneyford and Danesfort for their support, but also the Cois Nore cancer support centre in Kilkenny, which offers services such as counselling and reflexology free of charge.

“They took my whole family under their wing and words cannot express how thankful I am,” says Mary.

“That year after treatment is as important as the year of gruelling treatment.”

Another person to benefit from Cois Nore’s services is Martina Prendergast, who lives in Gowran with her husband Maurice, a cereal farmer, and daughters Lisa (11) and Rose (10).

Martina was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2013 and also underwent a mastectomy and further surgery before completing chemotherapy last December.

“When you hear the word cancer you are scared,” she says. “But I found the waiting in the beginning the worst. Once I started on the road, it went quickly.”

Both Mary and Martina were looking forward to a day of pampering thanks to the Whitewater Shopping Centre in Newbridge, with Peter Mark, Clarins and Debenhams’ personal shopper Breda Nolan on hand to give the ladies the VIP treatment.

Debenhams offers a free, no obligation personal shopping service ranging from “express” 30-minute appointments to 90-minute sessions, whether it’s to find an outfit for a special occasion, update your wardrobe with key accessories or simply get fitted for shape wear.

Breda has dressed many women both during and post-cancer and believes it can be an important step towards recovery.

“Many women will suffer a loss of confidence, whether it’s because of losing their hair or their eyelashes, having a breast removed or scarring, and they often don’t recognise the person in the mirror looking back at them,” she says.

“This is a chance to reconnect with themselves. There are many style tips that work.

“For example, somebody who might be conscious of low necklines after a mastectomy could wear a cowl neckline instead. But my aim is always to find something they will get plenty of wear out of – not sit as an ornament in the wardrobe.”

Needless to say, Mary and Martina looked a million dollars after their day at Whitewater and they both hope that their stories might inspire other women who are undergoing breast cancer and let them know that there is hope.

“A big step in recovery is feeling good and looking good,” concludes Mary. “Hopefully, it will help somebody going through cancer to think, ‘that could be me in a year.’”

Whitewater Shopping Centre

With over 70 high-end stores, including much-loved brands such as Debenhams, Carraig Donn, Kilkenny Design, M&S, Zara, Karen Millen, Oasis, H&M and New Look, as well as 16 food outlets and an impressive eight-screen Odeon cinema, Whitewater Shopping Centre in the vibrant heart of Newbridge is popular for all the right reasons. Providing 1,700 easily accessible car parking spaces and a premium retail offering, Whitewater attracts over five million shoppers a year. Style, quality and commitment to providing a five-star shopping experience to all their customers has earned Whitewater Shopping Centre a loyal customer following since first opening its doors in 2006. Visit www.whitewatersc.ie

With special thanks to:

• Hair: Peter Mark, Whitewater Shopping Centre.

• Personal shopper: Breda Nolan at Debenhams.

• Make-up: Noreen Halford at Clarins, Debenhams.

The outfits

Look one - smart casual

Mary

Coat J by Jasper Conran trench €142

Top Principles by Ben De Lisi €51

Crop top Star by Julian Macdonald €52.50

Trousers Julien Macdonald €52.50

Boots J by Jasper Conran €118

Breda says: The straight-leg trouser works very well on Mary and this style of top is great for anybody who might be conscious of their tummy.

Martina

Jacket J by Jasper Conran €91

Jeanes Jasper Conran €75

Boots Slovenia ankle boots from Faith €105

Necklace Collection €37.50

Top Jasper Conran €43.50

Breda says: This outfit proves it is still possible to look elegant while casual.

Look two - dressed to impress

Mary

Dress Collection €52.50

Shrug Jasper Conran €88

Clutch Debut €25.50

Shoes Collection €44

Tights Marie Claire 10 denier €5

Breda says: This tunic has plenty of structure and creates a lovely hourglass silhouette on Mary. The shrug then adds a very soft and feminine touch.

Martina

Dress Julien Macdonald €63

Bolero Debut €45

Shoes Principles by Ben de Lisi €52.50

Bag Star by Julien Macdonald €24

Tights Marie Claire 10 denier €5

Breda says: The dress gives Martina curves while the colour really lifts her skin tone.