After weeks of searching, the line-up for a charity fashion show that celebrates women who have faced a cancer diagnosis can finally be revealed.
North-east charity Friends of ANCHOR last night confirmed the 24 women who will take to the stage during 2016’s Courage on the Catwalk.
The team behind the annual event – now in its fourth year – said it had been inundated with enquiries and entries following the success of last year’s sell-out show at Aberdeen’s Beach Ballroom, and that it had been a tough task whittling down the final group.
Sarah-Jane Hogg, PR and fundraising manager, said: “This year we have had our highest number of applications from brave women all over the north-east who are keen to take part.”
The search was launched in December for people who had faced the reality of a cancer diagnosis and thought they had what it takes to get up on stage.
And last week, a panel of judges spent hours scouring the heart-felt applications before making a final decision.
The chosen 24 models have battled 12 different types of cancer including pancreatic, bowel, lung and leukaemia.
They are aged between 18 and 77 and come from all walks of life.
Some are still undergoing treatment for their condition while others have had the all-clear for years.
Over the next few weeks they will all make the same journey as they prepare for their catwalk debut.
Gail Rose and her team at Premiere Productions will be on hand to train, choreograph and style each of the ladies to perfection.
Mrs Hogg added: “Just now none of the 24 models know each other.
“They are all complete strangers but they have that one common bond.
“In the run up to the show it’s going to be exciting to see their friendships grow and their confidence increase.”
One of the models, Ailidh Cox of Cults, is taking part in the event to challenge herself.
The 37-year-old said: “I feel that if I’ve been able to overcome cancer and face up to that huge challenge then doing something like this should be relatively easy in comparison.
“I say that now but come May it will be pretty scary and I’ll be nervous.
“I’m really excited to be included but a little bit emotional as well.”
The fashion show has become one of the charity’s biggest fundraisers, raising more than £210,000 for haematology care in the Grampian, as well as celebrating the beauty and bravery of the women taking part.
Total E & P UK Ltd has announced its support for a fourth year as title sponsor.
Apache North Sea Ltd is gold sponsor and Norse Ltd is silver.
Three shows will take place over May 7 and 8 at the Beach Ballroom.
For tickets, phone the fundraising team on 01224 859170 or e-mail foa@balmoral.co.uk