Pink is the colour: Breast Cancer Now Fashion Show 2023
Pink is the colour: Breast Cancer Now Fashion Show 2023
Tara Robinson reports on the local fundraiser in Wimbledon Village
This week marked the second year of the Breast Cancer Now Fashion Show held at the Dog & Fox in Wimbledon Village.
The venue was transformed into a gorgeous explosion of pink thanks to the efforts of co-hosts and organisers, Sara Minton of Boho Boutique and local Reformer Pilates coach Lucy Pattullo. The event was held in support of Breast Cancer Now, a charity that does vital work raising funds for ground-breaking research into breast cancer treatment.
The events room at the Dog & Fox was draped in fabulous décor, as were the glamorous guests, who arrived in their own shades of coral, salmon and fuchsia. At one end of the room, a red carpet and catwalk were set up with seating for an audience, ready for the models to strut their stuff. On arrival, guests received a glass of prosecco, Wild Idol alcohol-free wine and canapés. Guests were then seated along the catwalk as the speeches commenced.
The first speaker, Debbie Knight, spoke about the lesser-known survivor experiences, and the individual nature of each experience. She emphasised that the journey doesn’t necessarily end when the cancer goes away – that often the trauma comes when the cancer is gone and the people in your life have begun to move on. Lucy Pattullo imparted the necessity of regular check-ups, as 30% of survivors will have reoccurrences. She also spoke of the value of physical exercise, lifestyle and nutrition in staying healthy.
Local breast cancer life coach Anja Webster stressed the importance of community-building – the value of having people in your life and finding others who can relate to you, both through online communities and in-person groups.
Former Olympic gymnast and Sky Sports presenter Jacquie Beltrao spoke from the heart about her long struggle with the illness, but also stressed the importance of finding humour in the every-day, and imparted a strong message to seize the day; to grab life tight by the hands and never let go, because you never know what’s coming around the corner.
The final speech was rounded out by Breast Cancer Now Ambassador Amanda Jones, who offered a relative’s perspective, as she recounted the story of losing her daughter to breast cancer, and how this monumental event in her life led to her current work with the charity. She spoke beautifully of her daughter’s legacy, of the important work that Breast Cancer Now does and explained how the money for every ticket goes straight to funding important and life-changing scientific research.
All speakers imparted the importance of regular checks and attending your mammograms. They also highlighted the lesser-known fact that men can be diagnosed with breast cancer too – about 1 in every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the UK is found in a man. It was stressed that breast cancer is an issue that effects everybody.
It was then time for the stylish fashion show, where local volunteers modelled Sara Minton’s amazing and gorgeous clothes from Boho Boutique. A range of styles featured: casual winter-wear, unique bohemian patterns and stunning festive party fashion.
Then followed a raffle, full of fabulous prizes provided by local retailers and businesses, from skin and beauty treatments to great dining experiences.
All proceeds went to fundraising for Breast Cancer Now, and due to the efforts of the organisers and generosity of the contributors, the event was a huge success.
