When the Black Isle branch of Cancer Research UK hold their fashion show this weekend, one person will be absent.
The team behind the event, which is being held in Inverness, will all be remembering a very special woman and inspirational friend.
Annabel Sutherland didn’t let her breast cancer diagnosis hold her back.
Instead she became a model for the CRUK Black Isle Branch annual fashion show. And recruited others in her position to do the same.
Models at the show, which has raised tens of thousands of pounds for the charity, are women who have experienced or continue to live with cancer.
The Muir of Ord woman reached out to many with her friendship, kindness and positive attitude.
She died, aged 57, in April 2021.
On Friday the branch will honour the memory of Annabel at their first fashion show for three years due to covid restrictions.
Where is it happening?
It will be a chance to pay tribute to a person who was such a valued part of the event. And to raise awareness and funds for CRUK.
Clothes are supplied by Ink & Pink and Brambles, Nairn. The venue is Leonardo Hotel, Millburn Road, Inverness. And the evening begins at 7.45pm.
Annabel was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and underwent treatment remaining positive throughout. She was given the all clear but the cancer returned in late 2016.
Again, she underwent treatments and fought hard with so much courage.
What made Annabel so special?
Her friend Angela Mair said: “Annabel had a strong faith which was very important to her and gave her strength to cope with the rigours of the diagnosis and treatments.
“She had become involved with the CRUK Black Isle Branch fashion shows and recruited fellow survivors to parade the catwalk for this very important charity. Her friendship and support helped many others through very difficult times.”
Angela added: “Annabel was one of the nicest people you could ever meet – a beautiful person inside and outside. She was always smiling, very positive and so supportive and helpful to everyone. And she loved and cared deeply about her family, friends and all those she met along the way.”
Annabel grew up on the family croft in Drumbeg, Lairg. After attending catering college, she moved to Muir of Ord.
There she met and married Graham and they had their son Gary, of whom she was very proud.
A fantastic baker, known for her wedding cakes, she worked in Deas Bakery, Dingwall for more than 20 years.
She was determined to attend her son’s wedding to Karen in 2019 and she made it.
That determination gave her the strength to fight on and she was thrilled when granddaughter Alexandra was born in January 2021.
An event so close to her heart
Covid restrictions were still in place when she died that April. But the streets of Muir of Ord were lined with people who wanted to pay their respects.
On Friday night she will be remembered again at an evening that was so important to her.
The show is sponsored by Tulloch Homes and supported by Gary Tuach and the Celebrating Amy Team.
Tickets are available from Country Gardens, Dingwall, Avoch Post Office and the Leonardo Hotel (formerly Jurys) in Inverness.
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