Just two days after Jennifer Hawkins announced her mother, Gail, had been diagnosed with kidney cancer, the Aussie model made a brave return to the Myer catwalk.
Jen broke the news on Wednesday, revealing that her beloved mum had to undergo emergency surgery on the day of the Myer Spring fashion launch.
“And it’s just strange how mum’s operation fell on the day,” Jennifer told The Daily Telegraph, “Mum rang me and I didn’t want to say anything, but she already knew the dates (of the parade) but then she found out it was in the a.m., so I’ll be with her in the before and after.”
“It’s probably been the weirdest week, the most emotional week of my life I guess,” the former Miss Universe admitted bravely.
“It’s been really lovely, just the whole family has been really strong and have all come together. I feel like all of our energy will be with her.”
Jennifer reportedly flew in hours before the parade and flew out again just hours after, returning to Melbourne to be at her mother’s bedside during her recovery.
The rest of the Myer team have backed the beauty, revealing that they’re all rallying behind her in support.
“I know how supportive her mother is of her and she would be telling her to go and do it,” her fellow model, Kris Smith said.
Adding, “The family are going through a tough time at the moment… but [the Myer team] are here as the support.”
“[The show] is a great distraction for her as well. She’s a complete and utter professional, she’s shown it for many, many, many years and this time is no different.”
Jen posted on Instagram yesterday that since her operation, her mum is doing “really well”, and is in recovery.
Take a look at Jen’s amazing runway return.
Despite her emotionally tumultuous week, Jen didn’t shirk her runway duties and took to the catwalk last night.
The Aussie stunner looked sensational in a pink Alex Perry dress at the season launch.
Slipping into little black dresses and even littler black bikinis, Jen showed no signs of stress or emotional as she tackled the runway.
The catwalk veteran was there beside fellow Myer rep, Kris Smith, to present the Spring 2015 launch.
Jen has been an ambassador to Myer for over eight years and it’s clear she’s not stopping now.
Gail was never too far from Jen’s thoughts.
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