More than 230 north-east men and women will help us celebrate Friends of ANCHOR's 30th anniversary by returning to the stage for a special edition of our landmark fundraising event weekend in 2027.
Each year, 48 local people who have experienced a cancer or blood disorder diagnosis step into the spotlight through our annual fashion show events, Courage on the Catwalk and Brave.
To recognise the role that the events have played in the charity’s history, raising more than £2.97 million for Friends of ANCHOR and supporting nearly five hundred people to rebuild confidence following or during treatment, we will welcome alumni models back onto the catwalk once again.
Instead of the usual cohort of 24 models in the Brave and Courage line up, ten times that number will take to the stage, with 232 former participants reuniting across four special shows at P&J Live. This includes the very first models who graced the catwalk in 2013, with a 13-strong crew from the original line up returning to the stage 14 years later.
Our Chief Executive, Sarah-Jane Hogg said: "One thing we hear time and time again from our former models is how much they would love the chance to step back onto the catwalk and experience that incredible feeling all over again. As we celebrate 30 years of supporting cancer and blood disorder patients across the north-east, it felt like the perfect opportunity to bring these remarkable people back together for something truly special.
"At the heart of these events is recognising the strength and resilience of those who journey a diagnosis and the hope that we hold onto in the darker days. What's especially poignant is that for many returning models, years have passed since they first stepped foot on the catwalk. Yet the bond between them still holds so strong, and the life-defining experience the shows have been for so many of them still holds real significance. This weekend will be a chance to celebrate not only the confidence, friendships and memories they've gained along the way, but also to encourage us all that life can be lived long beyond a diagnosis."
Since its launch in 2013, Courage on the Catwalk has raised more than £1.7 million while empowering hundreds of women affected by cancer to rebuild confidence, forge lasting friendships and become part of a supportive community.
Following its success, Brave was introduced in 2017, and has since raised £1.2 million, giving men the same opportunity to share their experiences, celebrate their journeys and connect with others who understand the challenges of a diagnosis.
Models will attend a series of rehearsals ahead of the event to brush up on their runway walks and picture-perfect poses under the guidance of long-standing event partners Premiere Productions. Led by Gail Rose, the production team has been involved in the events since their inception and will help bring the anniversary spectacular to life.
The models will be styled in clothes from some of the region’s favourite retailers including Slater Menswear, M&S, Georgian Dress Hire, Neil Selbie & Co, Mitchell Scott, Tiger Lily Boutique, Mint Velvet and Perfect Bridal.
Guests can also look forward to a special performance from the Friends of ANCHOR alumni choir, led by well-known local musical director Laura Pike. 64 alumni models have stepped forward to lend their voice for a special performance at each one of the shows across event weekend.
Sarah-Jane continued: “This will be a production unlike anything we have created before, and with the support of our incredible production team and sponsors, we are thrilled to celebrate Friends of ANCHOR’s 30th year in such a spectacular and memorable way.”
Since 2013, 486 people have courageously stepped forward to be a part of these events. Each person who has stepped onto the catwalk is considered part of the model alumni family, even those who are sadly no longer with us. Across all four shows, there will be a moment to remember and honour each model who has passed away.
Sarah-Jane added: “Those who are no longer with us continue to hold a special and valued place in the fabric of Courage on the Catwalk and Brave. Each of them will remain very much part of the legacy of these events for Friends of ANCHOR for all the years to come.”
“These anniversary events are an opportunity to celebrate not only the remarkable people who have taken part over the years, but also the progress that has been made for cancer and haemeatology treatment and care across the north-east. The wave of generosity that follows Courage and Brave from our models, their families and friends, the sponsors and all those who support the event weekend, have all played a valued part in that.”
A total of 90 Brave alumni models will reunite at P&J Live across the nights of Thursday 20 and Friday 21 May before 142 Courage on the Catwalk alumni take to the stage over two nights, Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 May, for a memorable anniversary celebration.