The line-up of ladies who have been picked to star in an inspiring north-east fashion show has been revealed.
Last night, cancer charity Friends of ANCHOR announced the 24 women who will take to the stage for this year’s Courage on the Catwalk – and told them it was their chance to shine.
In its third year, the fashion show has become one of the charity’s biggest fundraisers, raising more than £120,000 for cancer and haematology care in the north-east of Scotland.
But even more so, the event honours the bravery of people who have had or are living with cancer, and gives their families and friends the chance to see them on stage at their very best.
The full line-up includes – Alison Hogg, Oldmeldrum; Alison Hutchison, Drumoak; Anne Littlejohn, Turriff; Brenda Doyle, Portlethen; Brenda Whyte, Fetterangus; Carol Fleming, Maud; Cliohna Thomson, Aberlour; Elizabeth Roberts, Turriff; Elizabeth Cormack, Aberdeen; Jemma McRae, Aberdeen; Karan Taylor, Aberdeen; Kathleen Fromholc, Cove; Lindsay Dawson, Muchalls; Lindsay McKenzie, Udny; Lisa Stratford, Cults; Lynne Strachan, Stonehaven; Maddie Polson, Aberdeen; Marie McBeath, Aberdeen; Maureen Hall, Banff; Pamela Cardno, Fraserburgh; Rosie Carr, Ellon; Margaret Roberston, St Fergus; Suzanne Davies, Newtonhill; Vanessa Love, Westhill.
The team behind the successful fundraiser said the shows so far have created incredible bonds between the woman involved, and – in many cases – have given them their confidence back.
Last night, as the ladies met their fellow ‘models’ for the first time, Rhona Miller, the charity’s PR & fundraising executive, told them they had a fantastic journey ahead of them.
“You might not feel brave or ready to take to the runway at the moment, but you will be by the day and be catwalk ready,” she said.
Friends of ANCHOR launched its search earlier this year for people who had faced the reality of a cancer diagnosis and thought they had what it takes to get up on stage.
After hours of deliberating and pouring through umpteen applications, a panel of judges finally agreed this week who should be picked.
For the next few weeks, the women will prepare for the big event — three shows in total which will take place at Aberdeen’s Beach Ballroom on May 9 and 10 – with the help of the team at Premiere Productions.
The professionals will train, choreograph and style each of the ladies in preparation for their catwalk debut in three months time.
Sarah-Jane Hogg, the charity’s PR & fundraising manager, said: “Friends of ANCHOR were inundated with enquiries and applications from those keen to take part in the 2015 event.
“It’s incredible to read about the courage that so many people in this city show on a daily basis in their fight against cancer.
“We are so excited by the experience that awaits each of our 24 models in the run up to Courage on the Catwalk.
“This is the chance for these women to share their story, instil hope in others, raise funds for the ANCHOR Unit and meet fellow inspirational women.”
Total E & P UK Ltd has announced its support for a third year as title sponsor. Apache North Sea Ltd is gold sponsor and Norse Ltd silver.
The charity decided to add an extra show this year after the past two years sold out.
In total, more than 2,200 people should watch the models strut their stuff across the weekend.
Tickets are still available, with Ballroom seats on Saturday priced at £20 and £17.50 for the balcony.
Balcony seat tickets on Sunday for both the afternoon and evening shows are also still available.
To purchase contact 01224 859170 or e-mail foa@balmoral.co.uk