One of the world famous Purple Helmets has had a colourful makeover to show his support for a breast cancer charity’s fundraising fashion show. A pink bike revved up at the launch event for Isle of Man Breast Care’s Fashion for Life Show. The fundraising evening takes place on October 23 at the Villa Marina, but the launch, held at the M&S store in Douglas on August 8 signified to the public that tickets are now on sale.

The Fashion For Life Show – which is this year being sponsored by Lasenby Knox and supported by M&S – began in 2005 and has been held every two years since then. As always, this year’s event will be a mix of music, dance, and other entertainment, with the highlight being a fashion show featuring breast cancer patients and survivors modelling clothes from M&S. Dot Tilbury MBE and Geoff Corkish MBE MLC will be comperes for the evening.

Sharon Maddrell, Chairwoman of Isle of Man Breast Care commented:

“Amazingly, it’s been 10 years since the first ‘Fashion for Life’ show so we thought we’d mark the occasion with a special launch. For the first time we are excited to have a main Show sponsor in Lasenby Knox who I’d like to thank for their very generous support. Of course without M&S, there would be no Fashion Show, so a big thank you to everyone there. Also to Shoprite who have sponsored the wine for the corporate tables since 2007 and to Xela Holdings and Agrimark who are this year sponsoring a pre-show VIP cocktail party. But most of all, to make this event possible, thank you to the models, some still having their treatment, who make this show so special, the volunteers and local businesses who give their help free of charge.”

Over the years the Fashion for Life Show has raised more than ?60,000 for Isle of Man Breast Care. The charity helps breast cancer patients and their families by providing emotional, practical and financial support. It also works closely with the Breast Clinic at Noble’s Hospital and referrals are often made for patients who may benefit from support from Isle of Man Breast Care.

Kathy Mitchell, Financial Consultant at Lasenby Knox, said:

"To celebrate the 10th year of ‘Fashion for Life’, Lasenby Knox have this year decided to get involved in order to help to make it an extra special event. We’re extremely honoured to be supporting a great, local cause providing an active support network to patients and their loved ones, recognising a condition that unfortunately affects so many people in so many ways. As the main sponsor of this event, we’re looking forward to helping to raise awareness and funding through a series of fun initiatives culminating in the renowned ‘Fashion for Life’ show supported by M&S on October 23."

Fashion for Life Show tickets cost ?12.50 + a 2% booking fee and are available from the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal, the Villa Gaiety reception or online at www.villagaiety.com/. For more information about Isle of Man Breast Care go to http://www.iombreastcare.co.uk/fashion-for-life.