They walked on stage proudly, loudly and with a defiant message of solidarity: “We are the Brave band of brothers and we’re in this together.”
And then 24 men from across the north-east, ranging in age from their 20s to their 70s and from every conceivable background, but united by their shared experiences of fighting cancer, took part in Brave at Aberdeen’s Beach Ballroom.
Unveiled: the 24 Brave models who will take to the catwalk for Friends of Anchor
This event, organised by Friends of Anchor is only in its second year, but has already demonstrated the power of positivity. Prior to the models making their entrance, they engaged in a football-style huddle and their determination was obvious.
As Chris Jappy, 41, said: “I never remotely thought that I would end up on the catwalk, but I am very glad that I applied. Even a terminal diagnosis can’t stop me. Now, it is show time for the Ginger Prince.”
There was no shortage of inspirational qualities among the participants. Dave Thomson, 70, from Westhill, was diagnosed with colorectal and liver cancer, and yet he has recovered and been clear of the disease for the last decade.
His message, even as he joined his fellow models, was never to forget the advances which are being made in fighting all types of cancer.
Mr Thomson said: “You have to be resilient and stay positive, but new treatments are constantly emerging. I would tell everybody: ‘If you think there’s a problem, get it checked early. And be persistent.
“If somebody had told me I would be a catwalk model 10 years ago, I would have laughed at them. But Friends of Anchor has been brilliant and the whole experience has brought all of the lads really close together.”
The men’s routines were remarkable, highlighting the progress they have made in the last two months. The crowd was raucous, supportive and emotional and the efforts of the FoA volunteers, Premiere Productions, and the backstage helpers were saluted by another model, Joe Boyle, 45, originally from Northern Ireland, but now living in Foveran.
He was diagnosed with throat and neck cancer a year ago, but has rallied from intensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy and merrily strutted his stuff.
Mr Boyle said: “When we first met, we were typical men: a bit awkward and wary about talking of what we have been through. But now, the camaraderie is terrific, and we all realise you shouldn’t bottle things up.”
And Joe McGunnigle, 75, from Aberdeen, said: “Brave has given me a real focus and seeing first hand the amazing work done by Friends of Anchor has provided me with renewed determination to keep my heid up and haud gaun.”
Friends of Anchor
The fundraising and development director for Friends of Anchor was thrilled at how Brave reverberated with a capacity audience yesterday.
Sarah-Jane Hogg was full of praise for the participants and volunteers who made the event at the Beach Ballroom such a success.
She said: “When the inaugural Brave drew to a close last year, we knew immediately that we would make it a firm fixture in the Friends of Anchor fundraising calendar.
“Once again, we have been truly humbled to get to know these 24 inspirational men, all with their own story to share.
“During the five weeks of rehearsals, we have seen these guys bring their A-game to every single rehearsal and they have been absolutely passionate about raising as much money as possible to directly benefit all those who need it.
“Week on week, we’ve been astounded to see the generosity of their friends and family.”
Mrs Hogg said the money raised by the event would assist in the ongoing battle against cancer across the region.
She added: “Thanks to our generous sponsors, every penny raised will go directly to oncology and haematology patients in the north east, Orkney and Shetland.
“Everyone who has supported the campaign is making such a difference.”
Courage on the Catwalk, the female equivalent of Brave, will take place at the Beach Ballroom today and on Sunday.
The two charity initiatives have raised more than £570,000 since Courage on the Catwalk was launched in 2013.
