It’s one of the north-east’s most inspiring charity initiatives.
But you will have to be quick if you want to get involved in this year’s Courage on the Catwalk.
Friends of ANCHOR is encouraging women to take part in the life-changing fundraiser. The venture celebrates 24 ladies who have battled cancer and highlights their resilience during a fashion show at Aberdeen’s Beach Ballroom in May.
With the deadline for applications looming next week, the charity is looking for those who have faced a cancer diagnosis, either in the past or present.
The ladies will be styled and trained by the team at Premiere Productions before strutting down the catwalk.
Nikki Dunn was one of the women who took part in the 2013 event. As a consequence, she made friends with the other participants, who provided a support network for each other during the rehearsals and their diagnosis.
Even now, they still keep in touch and go to events together.
Ms Dunn said: “I made 23 new friends and we still meet up. Some ladies are in treatment and we there for one another. We go to the show every year to cheer them on.
“It’s great to have the network of people going through similar things like chemotherapy and share our concerns.”
She was nominated to take part by one of her friends after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. While Nikki was initially not interested, her friend thought the catwalk would be a good thing to get involved in.
Earlier in her life, Ms Dunn had been involved in amateur dramatics and, following the first rehearsal, she discovered she really liked the fun and giggles of practising for the catwalk.
“We were well looked after and pampered,” said the former model. “I was very unsure about the catwalk, but it was lots of fun, special and we all enjoyed it. Everybody is in the same boat.”
Weeks of rehearsals and personal styling will form the prelude to three live shows on May 6 and 7 and women of all shapes and sizes have been encouraged to get involved.
Previous years have seen models of all ages strut their stuff, with their experiences and diagnosis in common. It is an opportunity to meet other people while both gaining confidence and raising funds for a service which has helped so many people.
Since 2013, Courage on the Catwalk has raised more than £349,000 for cancer and haematology care in the north-east.
The event organisers are now aiming to add to the fundraising of £1million towards a drive which will bring world-class oncology research to the region in the Dream Big campaign by Friends of ANCHOR.
The closing date for entries is Wednesday, January 25. To nominate a friend or apply yourself to Courage on the Catwalk, contact Friends of ANCHOR on 01224 859170 or email foa@balmoral.co.uk.
