Asmaa Al-allak, a breast surgeon and TV star, has an incredible journey that started in Basra, southern Iraq during the 1980s. With rockets flying overhead and artillery fire getting closer, young Asmaa dreamed of becoming a doctor while also finding solace in sewing, creating clothes for her Sindy doll during the wars in her country. These two passions led Asmaa to Cardiff, where she now works as a consultant breast surgeon, eventually winning The Great British Sewing Bee on TV. Asmaa’s early life in Iraq was marked by the Iran-Iraq War, where she experienced disruptions in schooling and daily life due to the conflict.
Growing up in Basra, Asmaa and her family faced constant threats of violence and displacement. Living through the turmoil of the war, Asmaa’s safe haven became her grandmother’s house, where she learned the art of sewing from her grandmother, Mariam, a seamstress in the village. Despite the challenges of war and uncertainty, Asmaa and her family persevered, eventually moving to the UK to join her father in Durham, where she faced bullying in school but remained determined to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor.
Asmaa’s unwavering passion for medicine and sewing led her back to Cardiff to study medicine, where she now works as a consultant breast surgeon at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant. Her meticulous nature as a seamstress translates into her work as a surgeon, with compliments from colleagues and patients on her precise incisions. Asmaa’s skills in sewing have even extended to creating mastectomy bras for her patients, showcasing her dedication to helping others beyond the operating room.
In 2023, after battling Covid as a doctor, Asmaa decided to apply for The Great British Sewing Bee, a decision that would change her life. Overcoming the challenges and stress of the competition, Asmaa emerged as the winner, a moment of overwhelming happiness and personal achievement. Winning the competition was a testament to her resilience and pursuit of something purely for herself, a rare and cherished accomplishment in her life filled with dedication to others.
Asmaa’s journey from war-torn Iraq to becoming a successful breast surgeon and TV personality is an inspiring tale of hope, perseverance, and the power of following one’s dreams. Her story serves as a reminder of the strength found in creativity, determination, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Asmaa’s dedication to both her medical career and sewing passion highlights her multifaceted talents and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others, both in the operating room and beyond.