Courage, confidence and community spirit were celebrated as The Pink Place hosted its annual fashion show.
The Pink Place fashion show, on October 8, gave women affected by cancer the chance to step onto the catwalk in front of a packed audience of family, friends and supporters.
The sell-out event, featuring fashion from independent boutique No.1 George Street in Overton, welcomed guests for an evening of fun and fashion, while raising funds for the cancer support charity.
Christine Griffiths, fundraising and events manager for The Pink Place said: “It was a really fabulous evening, a total sell-out event.
“We had 165 people that joined us, and it was just such an uplifting, fun event, and we hope to raise lots and lots of money.
“People have been so really really generous, which is fantastic, and it's been supported by so many different people, and we're just so grateful.”
Christine explained that all of the women on the catwalk were going through cancer, from stage zero to stage four incurable.
She said: “Often their body image is really broken, so not only mentally but physically as well, particularly if they've had surgery, so to walk out on a catwalk in front of that many people and strut their stuff and to take them totally out of their comfort zone.”
The models spent three days with the team at No.1 George Street selecting outfits before having their hair and make-up professionally styled for the big day, where they showcased a range of daytime, casual and evening looks on the catwalk.
Among those taking part was Joanne Rounce, who was recently given the all-clear following cancer treatment.
She said: "It's been absolutely amazing to be able to support The Pink Place and strut my stuff and just have a fabulous evening.
“It means so much, it's been able to help so many people who I've become friends with at The Pink Place, and it's just been such a big part of my journey, being able to support me from the start to nearly to the finish, considering that I got my first all-clear mammogram today.”
For model Claire Simpson, the event was also a chance to give back to a charity that offered comfort during one of the most difficult periods of life.
She said: "I came to The Pink Place quite late in my journey and I felt they’re really supportive.
"They always remember your name and that's one of the main things for me that I enjoy. It makes you feel like a person again after having various treatments.”
The models were escorted down the runway by firefighters from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Service.
Firefighter Jason Barnes said: "It's been a pretty good night and it's great to support such a local and very important cause.
“The models were stunning and I think the firefighters did a very good job as well."
The event was also sponsored by Ripton Windows and Conservatories and featured goods from The Homemade Brownie Company, Tropic Skincare and Petra Jewellery,
Firefighter Ron Lemon said: "I think it went really well. It's a privilege to be part of this tonight. It means a lot. It's nice to support a charity like this, it’s for a really good cause.”
All photos were taken by Bhupinder Ghatahora.
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