Member Article

Local fundraiser and West Park Hotel join forces as cancer patients ‘strut their stuff’ with return of fashion show

Jean Williams, organiser of Harrogate’s ‘Strutting for Cancer’ fashion show, which she helped launch back in 2016, has teamed up with the town’s West Park Hotel to stage the return of the popular fundraising event in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support as cancer patients once again take to the catwalk.

The fashion show, which will take place at the hotel on Thursday 10th November from 7pm until late, will feature people who have been affected by cancer as well as professional models. Together, they will showcase the latest collections from sponsors including local fashion businesses Sheer Bliss Lingerie, Smithers, Prey Four, Georgies and Aurélie, as well as high street retailer M&S.

The event will also include a charity auction and a raffle plus live music from Lorraine with ‘The Band Mirage’, and David Parkin will take on the role of master of ceremonies. Tickets include canapés and drinks on arrival.

Jean, who lives in Harrogate, had breast cancer 25 years ago and she and her husband, Alan, have been fundraising for cancer charities ever since, raising a total of over £100,000 between them. Jean started by taking part in the first Race for Life held in Harrogate, just three weeks after leaving hospital, and went on to complete the New York Marathon in 2018 at the age of 71! They have even had an audience with King Charles who heard of their fundraising efforts and asked to meet the couple in 2016 when he visited the local cancer care unit.

Jean said: “Having launched our inaugural ‘Strutting for Cancer’ fashion show six years ago, it has proved to be a hugely popular event with local people as well as raising vital funds for this amazing charity. After missing two years due to the pandemic, we are thrilled that the show is returning and would like to thank West Park Hotel for providing such a fantastic venue as well as our generous sponsors for their support.

“Having had cancer twice myself, this is a cause close to my heart and I am excited to see the return of this event which we hope will once again raise thousands of pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support.”

Jodie Middleton, events manager at West Park Hotel, said: “The ‘Strutting for Cancer’ fashion show has become a much-loved local event on the town’s social calendar, thanks to the efforts of Jean and her team. We are proud to be among the local businesses supporting it and look forward to hosting another fun and successful fundraising evening.”

Tickets for the event, which are priced at £25, can be purchased from West Park Hotel, Sheer Bliss, Smithers and Georgies or call 07557 196233 to find out more.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma Kilmurray .