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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Kathleen Speirs

Scots amputee models Burberry and H&M to inspire others after losing leg to bone cancer

A young Scots amputee has modelled for Burberry, H&M and Schuh after being signed to an agency.

We told how Iona Hay from Glasgow was scouted by Zebedee Management in November.

The 18-year-old's osteosarcoma diagnosis, a type of bone cancer, in 2008 led to her leg being amputated when she was just six-years-old.

Iona Hay has posed for a luxury fashion brand and a couple of high street giants over the past couple of months (brianrolfephoto)

Iona was initially sworn to secrecy about which brands she would be modelling, but we can now reveal the huge brands she's been working for over the past few months.

Luxury brand Burberry, high street giant H&M and footwear franchise Schuh have all snapped up the brunette beauty.

The fashion student told the Record: "The shoots with all three brands were amazing, I had such a good time and it was brilliant learning how everything worked behind the scenes.

Stunning Iona Hay has been snapped up by a modelling agency that signs talent in the US and Europe (brianrolfephoto)

"I went to London for Burberry, Stockholm in Sweden for H&M then Schuh was closer to home in Bathgate, West Lothian.

"I love modelling now and can't wait to shoot other campaigns."

H&M's trainer shot is a teaser for their main campaign launch in April.

Meanwhile Iona's photos are already up on Burberry and Schuh's websites.

Having a prosthetic limb hasn't stopped Iona as she models footwear for each of the brands and she now hopes her glamorous part-time job will help 'inspire other young amputees'.

Iona Hay was flown out to Stockholm, Sweden to shoot for high street giant H&M (HANDOUT/H&M)

She added: "I hope other young people can look at the pictures and think they can do anything if they put their mind to it.

"I didn't have that growing up so it's nice to be that person for them.

"It's so important that big fashion brands show diversity I think it's brilliant bid brands are taking the lead."

Iona Hay has posed for luxury fashion brand Burberry with her snaps on their website (HANDOUT/BURBERRY/ZEBEDEE)

Iona's cancer diagnosis came just one year after her mum, Fiona Dolan, died of a brain tumour aged 36.

Fiona, an ophthalmologist, tragically passed away in December 2007 after being diagnosed with cancer in April that year.

Dad, 50, Steven wasn't quite sure what lay ahead when Iona first took the plunge and applied to Zebedee Talent -a specialist agency that signs less-represented talent including people with disabilities.

But nobody is more proud than Steven alongside her twin, Niamh, brothers Hamish, 23, and Peadar, 21, along with step-mother Gillian and eight-year-old twins René and Matilda.

Iona Hay modelled Dr Martens boots for Schuh at a secret shoot in West Lothian (HANDOUT/SCHUH)

Meanwhile Zebedee Talent chiefs said she 'photographs wonderfully'.

A spokeswoman told the Record: "We love Iona's look, positive attitude, and just great vibe. We've always received the best feedback from clients from her work on set and she just photographs wonderfully.

"Iona's already booked jobs with huge fashion labels.

Iona Hay applied to the agency in August 2021 then was signed that November (brianrolfephoto)

"To achieve this with us is incredible.

"We're really excited to see what's next for Iona. Iona has a timeless look that's highly sought after in the industry.

"We're hopeful that as more brands become more inclusive of disability that she'll be booking some huge jobs with us."

Head to Zebedee Management's website, call their UK team on 0207 993 8530 or email info@zebedeetalent.com for more information.

For help and advice surrounding bone cancer diagnosis and treatment visit the NHS information page.

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