There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as dozens of models – all of whom have been affected by cancer – took to the charity catwalk in aid of the support centre that has helped them through their experience.
Maggie’s on the Runway was an inspiring, humbling and empowering event, which as well as raising money for Maggie’s Manchester, aimed to promote awareness of the disease and emphasise the importance of cancer screenings for both women and men.
It was held at the Runway Visitor Park at Manchester Airport on Saturday, and also featured performances from the Greater Manchester Rock Choir and 80s icon Rick Astley, who is an honorary ambassador for the charity.
During the day, there was a fashion show which starred more than 50 women and men, some of whom are still undergoing treatment for the disease.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was the Figleaves catwalk which saw more than a dozen courageous women take to the runway in just lingerie and swimwear.
Many of them had experienced first hand the affect that cancer can have on the body – loss of hair and fingernails, a change in weight.
Others had undergone extensive and invasive surgery which had left their bodies scarred.
Unsurprisingly, they received a roaring standing ovation from the 600-strong audience, each touched by their inspiring strength and bravery.
And there were more tears to come with the first ever adult and child catwalk in which models were joined by their sons, daughters and grandchildren on stage for a heartwarming and memorable routine.
Letters from the models to their loved ones were also read out and videos shown of them talking about their cancer journey and what Maggie’s Manchester meant to them, which again reduced the audience to tears.
During the evening there was a gala dinner and ball with further performances from Rick Astley and the Greater Manchester Rock Choir, as well as ‘Milk Tray Man’ Patrick Mcbride, Anne Finnegan dancers, Sarah Sax, and Monica Ward and Leigh Eaton.
A silent auction and live auction raised tens of thousands of pounds.
Before the event had even finished, it was confirmed that more than £220,000 had been raised for Maggie’s Manchester – smashing 2016’s figure of £175,000.
It’s expected this figure will grow over the coming days.
Maggie’s Manchester opened in the grounds of The Christie Hospital in 2016 and provides practical, emotional and social support to more than 100 people a day.
For more information visit www.maggiescentres.org/our-centres/maggies-manchester
