Cassie defies cystic fibrosis to become top model

Former art student Cassie Hawthorne is turning heads as a model after she was spotted by a talent scout when she attended hospital for treatment for cystic fibrosis.

The 22-year-old from Stourbridge was visiting Birmingham Children's Hospital when she agreed to have her picture taken for an annual book by a photographer who passed her pictures to a modelling agency.

Since then her career has taken off and she has already done promotional work for Tesco and hair emporium Umberto Giannini, which has appeared on TV and in magazines.

Now Cassie has been chosen to front this year's Cystic Fibrosis Week which runs until Friday.

She said: "When I had my first modelling job it was like a dream come true, just like it would be for any 16 year old girl.

"I love having my hair and make-up done and wearing fabulous clothes. I don't advertise the fact I have cystic fibrosis, so, for just a bit, I can forget about it."