A north-east student has used her creative flair to raise funds for a local cancer charity.
Joanna MacQueen, who is in her final year studying media at The Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen, designed a set of special tote bags during an eight-week placement with Friends of ANCHOR earlier this year.
Her three designs carry messages intended to inspire and encourage – “have strength”, “be brave”, and “take courage”.
The bags were sold at one of the charity’s biggest annual fundraisers, Courage on the Catwalk 2015, where all 1,000 were snapped up by impressed models and guests within 48 hours.
And now, the bags are to go on sale for anyone to purchase.
The 21-year-old said: “I was overjoyed at how quickly the collection sold at Courage on the Catwalk. It was pretty special seeing someone wearing and showing off their new bag that I designed.
“It’s exciting to see the tote bags going on sale this week and I hope they are another tremendous success for Friends of ANCHOR.”
The charity – which raises funds for the Anchor unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary – announced the general release of the bags at RGU’s Aberdeen Business School placement fair.
There are now another 2,000 tote bags which will be on sale at today’s fair.
The bags will be available through the charity’s website as well as at fairs in the lead-up to Christmas.
Friends of ANCHOR has a long tradition of taking on work experience students.
Sarah-Jane Hogg, fundraising manager for the organisation, added:
“These messages are particularly poignant for those affected by cancer who Friends of ANCHOR exists to serve and support through the funds invested in to the ANCHOR unit and leading research.
“Our hope is that these bags will be worn with pride by many around the north-east, encouraging passers by who read the inspirational messages as well as raising valued awareness and funds.
“We are incredibly excited to publicly launch our first student-designed merchandise line and indebted to Joanna for the time and talent she poured into the project.”