Next month, Isle of Man Breast Care will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Fashion For Life show which over the years has raised more than ?60,000 for the charity. Since 2005 the event has been staged every two years and money raised has helped the charity to provide emotional and financial support for breast cancer patients and their families. The charity 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.

As always, this year’s big fundraising 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. One of the models will be 68-year-old Jackie Elliott from Port Erin who understands more than most about the importance of the charity’s work. Ten years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer and greatly appreciates the support she received from Isle of Man Breast Care. “It was a very difficult time as my husband had also been diagnosed with cancer,” she said. “While attending the Day Centre at Hospice someone told me about Isle of Man Breast Care, so I went along to meet the group. It was good to meet and talk to others who had gone through similar experiences. I took part in the first Fashion For Life show in 2005 and have been in every show since then.”

Jackie says that the event is important not just because it raises funds to allow the charity to continue its work – but also because it helps to rebuild confidence and self-esteem for those cancer patients and survivors who take part. “I remember being apprehensive about taking part in the show in 2005, but it was a great experience and really helped to rebuild my self-confidence.”

Jackie is in good health now, and looking forward to her sixth Fashion For Life show which this year is being sponsored by Lasenby Knox and supported by M&S. It takes place on October 23 at the Villa Marina and will be compered by Dot Tilbury MBE and Geoff Corkish MBE MLC. Tickets cost ?12.50 and are available from www.villagaiety.com/ or the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal. For more information about Isle of Man Breast Care go to http://www.iombreastcare.co.uk/fashion-for-life. 

The charity is also running a ‘Catwalk Challenge’ competition which offers a chance for a Manx business person to strut their stuff on the catwalk. This involves asking businesses to raise funds and nominate their managing director, senior manager or line manager in a silent auction to be in with the chance to be a fashion model for the evening.  

In addition to taking part in the show, the business person that wins will also receive photos as mementoes of the evening.

To enter the Catwalk Challenge silent auction, simply submit your bid to Kathy Mitchell at Lasenby Knox by Thursday October 15 by emailing kathy.mitchell@lasenbyknox.com. 

The winner with the highest bid will be announced on Friday October 16.