They have become two of the most inspirational events on the north-east charity calendar.
The shows have not only amassed more than £850,000 since 2013 – and are poised to shatter the £1 million mark in the months ahead – but have allowed scores of people to step out of the shadow of illness and into the modelling spotlight.
And now Friends of Anchor is encouraging men and women who have faced a cancer or haematology diagnosis to apply for its annual catwalk fundraising initiatives, Brave and Courage on the Catwalk.
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The sell-out occasions will help muster vital funds for local cancer and haematology care which, this year, is going towards the charity’s new Anchored Together appeal to raise £2m for the Anchor Centre, which is scheduled to open in 2021.
Courage on the Catwalk, which is now in its seventh year and takes place on Saturday and Sunday May 11 and 12, will celebrate 24 women who have been, or are going through, treatment for a cancer or haematology diagnosis.
Brave, which is in its third year, is being staged over two shows on Friday May 10, follows the same process, with 24 men in the line-up.
FoA’s chairman Jim Milne said: “Courage and Brave are two events that hold a very special place in the charity’s fundraising calendar.
“The models never fail to inspire and encourage as they share their own personal and collective fight against a terrible disease that affects so many of us.
“We hope the people of the north-east will help us spread the word, so we can see another great line-up of brave and determined individuals take to the stage.”
The fundraising team is looking for men and women over 16, of all other ages, shapes and sizes, who have faced different cancer or haematological diagnoses.
The group’s fundraising and development director, Sarah-Jane Hogg, said: “Since the very first Courage on the Catwalk show in 2013, 144 incredible women have stepped forward to show that they are so much more than their diagnosis.
“Whether they know it or not, they are strong, beautiful and courageous, and those are the qualities celebrated. Likewise, Brave brings together 24 equally inspiring men.
“We are not looking for confident, catwalk-ready men and women; we are on the search for everyday people who have faced the reality of a diagnosis.”
More than 8,400 guests have filled the Beach Ballroom in recent years to salute the models, who include people currently receiving treatment, those who have had the all-clear, and those living with cancer.
Patients from any of the areas served by the Anchor Unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary are welcome to participate.
This includes all of the Grampian region, Orkney and Shetland.
To apply to be in this year’s model line-up for Brave or Courage on the Catwalk, or to nominate a friend or family member, contact the FoA fundraising team on 01224 859170 or emailfoa@balmoral.co.uk. Model applications will close on February 22.
