CATWALK FOR LIFE RAISES £4,000 FOR CANCER RESEARCH UK

A CHARITY fashion show which included models who’ve beaten cancer has raised  around £4,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Money is still coming in for the ‘Catwalk For Life’, held at Leeds Corn Exchange on Thursday 19 April, which saw three women who have beaten cancer take their turn on the catwalk alongside experienced models and special guest, international burlesque dancer, Anna Fur Laxis.

The show-stopping event, hosted by ITV Yorkshire Calendar News’s Duncan Wood, had an audience of more than 400 against the stunning backdrop of the historical building for a preview showcase of Leeds Corn Exchange’s independent boutiques’ spring/summer collections - and raised much needed funds for research into cancer. 

Modeling for Moo Designs were first time models who’s lives have been touched by cancer.  Leanne Mannifield, 37, of Wakefield, was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2010, and Maxine Wigley 47, of Sheffield, developed cervical cancer at the age of 25 while expecting her daughter.  Both received loud cheers of admiration each time they appeared on the catwalk.

Clare Bottomley, owner of contemporary women’s boutique, Moo Designs, who came up with the idea of the fashion show, designed a special one-off pink leather ‘Moo’ bag for Cancer Research UK which was auctioned off for £200. 

And a spectacular hat in the shape of a giant pink ribbon – the international symbol of breast cancer - designed by talented milliner Lou Lou Puchalka, was modelled by breast cancer survivor, Nicki Embleton, and opened the second half of the show.  Lou Lou has now donated the hat to Cancer Research UK.

Highlights included colourful 1950s inspired tutu skirts and dresses by women’s boutique, Candy Candy and maternity wear by ‘Mummy and Little Me’, which sent several soon-to-be mums down the runway to strut their stuff.

The event was organised by Cancer Research UK’s volunteers and regular Corn Exchange customers, Carole Avery and Debra Kellett, of Wakefield.  Said Carole:  “Debra and I love the Corn Exchange and when Clare at Moo said they would like to do a fashion show, we asked if we could organise it to raise money Cancer Research UK.  We never thought then just how brilliant and successful the night would be.  We are so grateful for everyone’s support and overwhelmed at how much has been raised for research into cancer.”

Centre Manager, Louise Smith, said: “The event was a huge success and a fantastic experience for everyone involved. I’d like to thank the volunteers at Cancer Research UK, our exquisite models and the independents here at Leeds Corn Exchange who all worked so hard to make the evening truly special. It was a great opportunity to get people to come to the Corn Exchange and see the creative and original collections designed and stocked by our boutiques and we’re so pleased to have raised such a substantial sum for a great cause. Leeds Corn Exchange makes such a beautiful setting for this type of event and we’re going to plan a follow-up fashion show with Cancer Research UK in the autumn.”