Brave girls battle the pain together

LOUISE Frith has the kind of curves that no girl desires. The base of her spine is shaped like a C, requiring her to live in a hard plastic brace for years to come.

support group which sufferer Louise Frith started at the age of 10. They have Curvy Girls tshirts, and pics can be with or without their braces. (L-R background) Jasmin, Sarah, Emily, Pippa, Emma Front: Louise Frith founder of the Melbourne Curvy Girls Scoliosis support group. Picture: Tony Gough

LOUISE Frith has the kind of curves that no girl desires.

The base of her spine is shaped like a C, requiring her to live in a hard plastic brace for years to come.

She was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 10, but decided not to let it get her down. Instead, she scoured the internet for others in her shoes, setting up her own support group.

Melbourne Curvy Girls now boasts 25 girls who share experiences and fundraise.

“At the start I was a bit freaked out about it,’’ the 12-year-old student said.

“I was the odd one out, and wanted to meet others like me — nobody else I knew had a back brace.

“Now I don’t worry too much, you can’t see the brace under clothes.’’

The grade 6 pupil has been nominated for a Pride of Australia medal. Her mother, Sarah Frith, couldn’t be more proud, having been diagnosed as a teenager herself.

“These girls help each other from slipping into depression and boost each other’s self-esteem.”

To nominate a local legend go to heraldsun.com.au/prideofaustralia