A group of inspirational models took to the stage last night to grace the catwalk of a spectacular fashion show in the north-east.
But it was not the outfits which stole the spotlight – it was the people wearing them who were the stars of the show.
The third Courage on the Catwalk took place at Aberdeen’s Beach Ballroom, featuring 24 brave women who have faced battles with cancer.
The fundraising event – the first of its kind in the north-east – was launched by cancer charity Friends of ANCHOR in 2013.
The team wanted a way to raise vital funds, and also give ladies who had received the shattering diagnoses a way to feel special and get their confidence back.
Three years on, the charity says it has never looked back and has now given 72 special women the chance to shine on stage.
So far more than £72,000 has been raised from this year’s show, with plenty more cash still to roll in to the charity.
One of the brave women who strutted their stuff last night was Alison Hogg, whose battle with throat cancer rendered her unable to speak while undergoing treatment.
She said: “Courage on the Catwalk was an absolutely phenomenal experience, I’m really glad that I could do it because I wanted to pay back the Friends of ANCHOR for all they’ve done for me when I was in hospital.
“The care, the services they provide and the little things like TVs, chairs and other things that add to the comfort of your stay all make the experience easier.
“I was first diagnosed in February 2012 with a growth in my throat, it was a type of condition quite rare in this country.
“I had wanted to do Courage on the Catwalk when it first came out two years ago, and last year I wasn’t fit enough, but this year I finally decided that I was just going to go for it.
“All my lessons learning how to walk on the catwalk properly, how to show off jackets and handbags, they all came together to make tonight a really great experience.
“Everybody came out tonight to see me, my husband, my children, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law, friends, cousins, everybody. It was such a buzz to see them all cheering in the audience, it was really emotional.”
The cash raised will go towards helping Friends of ANCHOR kit out the cancer research unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary with equipment not funded by the NHS, as well as helping fund additional care, comfort and support for patients during their stay.
Another of the ladies taking part was Jemma McRae, a dance teacher who was more used to being behind the scenes than in the spotlight.
She said: “I feel very privileged to have been asked to take part. I’m used to the stage, so it wasn’t a daunting prospect for me, but I’m usually more backstage.
“Actually, it was nice having people directing me and bossing me about for a change.
“My family and friends were all in over the three shows this weekend, it was all quite emotional.
“They were all warned to bring their tissues with them but I forgot mine, unfortunately, and I got pretty teary up there.
“I was first introduced to Friends of ANCHOR a few years ago, when they asked if they could use my studio for the very first Courage on the Catwalk rehearsals, and after that we got in touch and had this big mask ball event in Union Terrace Gardens, which we helped out with with belly dancers for entertainment.
“Six months later I was diagnosed with breast cancer myself, so it was a bit of a shock to the system.
“Friends of ANCHOR is such an amazing charity, and we’ve all had a ball tonight, I’ve made so many lifelong friends here tonight.
“Even though we haven’t known each other that long, we’ve developed really strong bonds.
“Going through something like cancer really makes you appreciate life, and that’s a bond that all of us share.”