A fashion show run by the South East London Breast Cancer Trust (SELBCT) took place at 6:30pm on Thursday 23rd October, in the Intu Shopping Centre in Bromley.

The 13 models that conquered the catwalk have all beaten or are currently fighting breast cancer. These brave women walked beside a friend or family member who has been especially supportive and important to them throughout their experience with cancer.

The event raised awareness about breast cancer and funds to help SELBCT continue their incredible work. It also allowed people affected by cancer to stand up in front of a crowd alongside family and friends, feeling confident, beautiful, and surrounded by the support and admiration they deserve.

The models wore clothes lent by shops in Intu, and beauty counters around the shopping centre volunteered to do their make-up. David Rae and his team, who have a salon in Petts Wood, set up in the Intu management centre to perfect the models’ hair to celebrity standard!

I walked alongside my mother, Helen Whitaker, who said ‘taking part in the fashion show was both an uplifting experience and a great way to raise awareness and money for SELBCT.’

 Helen was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and took part in order to celebrate reaching the three year all-clear mark, as well as helping to fundraise and support others affected by cancer.

1 in 8 women in the UK will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point during their lifetime, and SELBCT aims to ‘support improvement in services to Breast Cancer Patients and their families in South East London’.

The event was just one of many amazing achievements of the SELBCT team, and the money raised will help them to continue to improve the lives of people affected by breast cancer in South East London.

Ella Shaxson - Young Reporter