It’s Brave by name and Brave by nature: a group of inspirational men who are embarking on a modelling career with a difference in Aberdeen.
The catwalk show, which is organised by local charity Friends of Anchor, will feature 24 males who have faced a cancer diagnosis.
The models hail from from different communities all across the north east, including Banff, Portlethen, Cullen, Tarland, Fraserburgh, Ellon and Aboyne.
There are 17 locations in total and an age range from 21 to 77. With 14 different cancer types, the group is a representation of the breadth and scale of those who have been affected by a diagnosis.
The final participants met for the first time this week at Aberdeen’s Beach Ballroom.
The selection panel consisted of models from last year’s show, stylists, dedicated healthcare professionals from the Anchor Unit and FoA staff.
It also featured representatives from Brave’s title sponsor James Jamieson Construction, which is supporting the event for a second year.
Sarah-Jane Hogg, fundraising and development director for FoA, said: “We have been looking forward to Brave 2018 since we launched the inaugural men’s catwalk show last year.
“It is humbling, yet inspiring, to see these men come forward, ready to step out in the spotlight to talk about their diagnosis and show cancer what for.
“Choosing 24 models from dozens of applications is never an easy task, and we spent hours deliberating before settling on our final line-up.
“What we have now is a diverse group of men who show the breadth and scale of the lives affected by cancer. It’s with an enormous sense of privilege that we get to work alongside these 24 incredible gents to put on the Brave show.
“We are looking forward to seeing the friendships form among them all that will last long after the curtains close on show night.”
The main event takes place on Friday, May 11 and family and friends will gather at the iconic ballroom to cheer on their loved ones as they strut their stuff on the catwalk.
In the coming weeks, the models will be professionally styled and coached by Gail Rose and the team at Premiere Productions, Brave’s event partner.
They will take part in five rehearsals and a fitting session, where they will be suited and booted in clothes from leading retailers including John Lewis, Gibbs Menswear, Neil Selbie & Co, Alex Scott Kiltmakers and Georgian Dress Hire.
For the second year, staff from Mr Dun hair salon will be on hand backstage to keep the models looking their best between outfit changes.
Brave is the partner event of Courage on the Catwalk; a fashion show for women diagnosed with cancer.
Launched in 2013, Courage on the Catwalk has already raised more than £472,000, while Brave amassed £100,563 in its inaugural year.
Friends of ANCHOR is striving to make the event extra special for audience members and is organising the Tree of Indulgence – a luxurious raffle of 75 gifts which the lucky winners can take home with them.
If you or your organisation would like to make a donation to the Tree of Indulgence, please contact foa.admin@friendsofanchor.org.
All gifts between the value of £10 and £100 are welcome, with vouchers, edible treats and body sets among the suggested items.
