Catwalk models raise £3,000 for cancer charity

MORE than 100 people attended a fashion show in aid of a Charvil charity.

Makeovers and styling were given to 10 people living with cancer who received therapies from My Cancer My Choices.

The event, which was in its fifth year, was held at John Lewis and Partners in Reading and raised about £2,500.

Women’s and men’s fashions were modelled along a catwalk by the service users, who were helped with outfit selection by a team at John Lewis. Models showcased two carefully styled outfits each. Claire Rhodes, chief executive of the charity, said: “It really gives them back their confidence and self-control over what’s happening to them.

“They have been through so much and lost a lot of confidence in their own abilities and perhaps in their own bodies. To be able to go out there and strut their stuff in front of all their friends and family is really special.

“It also provides them with an opportunity to meet other people going through similar situations. After hosting the fashion show for five years, I’ve seen first-hand the impact it has had on our models.

“Their bravery inspires us all and their joy on the catwalk is something that stays with them and their families long after the event.”

The models were cheered on by their friends, family and supporters.

My Cancer My Choices aims to offer 120 appointments a month this year to provide £10,000 of complementary therapies to those who would otherwise be unable to access them. Therapies include acupuncture, massage, reflexology, mindfulness, yoga, reiki and art therapy.

For more information and to make a donation, visit www.mycancermychoices.org

Meanwhile, a quiz will be held at Charvil village hall next Friday at 7pm for the charity.

Guests are invited to bring their own picnic food. Tickets cost £8 from mycancermychoices
.org/upcomingevents/