Wales-based Tenovus Cancer Care is to host Fashion Show on a Mission – an empowering and inclusive event to raise breast cancer awareness.
The show will take place at the Pier Pavilion, Penarth, 7pm on Friday, October 20th, and feature stylish and sustainable clothes from the charity’s shops.
The pier will be the show’s spectacular backdrop for the occasion, lighting the night sky in pink, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Guests will be asked to wear pink in support.
The event will be hosted by BBC Wales radio presenter, Dot Davies. Asmaa Al-allak, a consultant breast surgeon from Cardiff, will be among guests. Asmaa, 46, shot to fame after winning The Great British Sewing Bee 2023, a BBC reality TV show seeking Britain’s most talented amateur sewer. Excitedly, the talented needle crafter will be donating garments she’s made herself for the night’s auction.
Models will include women with experience of breast cancer, including Soraya Kelly, 54, from Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, who will strut her stuff on the catwalk with teenage daughter, Soffia.
The cancer champion, and founder of charity, TheGlovesAreOn, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017.
A member of Tenovus Cancer Care’s All-Wales Cancer Community, Soraya is passionate about raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of all cancer to save more lives with earlier detection.
Soraya said: “Tenovus Cancer Care does some wonderful work raising awareness of all cancer, supporting, and making a difference. If I can help raise even more awareness of breast cancer by taking part in this event, then that’s fantastic. It’s an honour for me to be able to do that.
It’s personal for me. I was lucky, my breast cancer was caught early enough, it hadn’t spread, and I am healing. However, there are still too many people who are being diagnosed late - the signs and symptoms ignored or dismissed. That needs to change.
It will be emotional to walk down the catwalk with my daughter, Soffia, as cancer affects loved ones too. It’s been tough on all my family, and there needs to be more focus on the mental health of all affected.
We need to do more to raise awareness, to educate all people from a young age, and starting in schools. More of us need to practice self-care - exercise, eat healthily, and manage stress. We need to listen to bodies and take time out to check ourselves.”
In 2021, there were 544 deaths by breast cancer in Wales. A third of people accessing Tenovus Cancer Care’s Counselling Service have had a breast cancer diagnosis. However, more people are living for five years after diagnosis of breast cancer than ever before.
Judi Rhys, MBE, Chief Executive of Tenovus Cancer Care, said:
“We are delighted to be holding this empowering and inclusive event in the community - to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, but also showcase the fabulous work our staff and volunteers do upcycling and repurposing, clothes, shoes, and handbags in support of our cause.
This event promises to be a great night out, and proceeds will go towards giving help, hope, and a voice to everyone affected by cancer.”
Vouchers have also been donated for the raffle by a host of local businesses, including Gin64, Cardiff Beauty Clinic, Aesthetics 64, Foothills Reflexology, Kiti Cymru, Corgi, and Lords Fragrance House. Local artist David March has also donated a painting of Penarth Pier.
A massive thank you also to spa therapist and wellbeing expert, Claire Caddock, founder of tRiBe 517, for sponsoring goody bags worth an incredible £50 for every ticket holder. Tickets are £20, including drinks on arrival, and a goody bag.
