The Nambucca Valley Cancer Support Group’s annual breast cancer fashion parade has always been a crowd favourite.
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And for good reason, too.
Every year, a group of the bravest people you’ll ever meet put on their glad rags and strut their sweet stuff in front of hundreds – and all in the name of raising money, and awareness, for one of Australia’s most deadly diseases.
These women are a diverse group, with varied backgrounds and ages – but what unites them is that they are all survivors.
Yesterday, nine stylish survivors of breast cancer – Cynthia, Maria, Christina, Pauline, Katherine, Sue, Pat, Karen and Eliza – modelled a range of fashions from the Valley Emporium and local designers at the Macksville Ex-Services Club.
For some of the models, it has been many years since their diagnosis turned their world upside down.
For others, they are still ‘under-construction’, whether it be in the process of regrowing hair after treatment, or going under the knife for a replacement set of boobs after mastectomies.
Regardless, they all wowed their audience with confident twirls and bold fashion choices.
Many in the crowd yesterday were also survivors, so the camaraderie and support in the room was visceral.
For the first time, some of the haute couture on display was designed by breast cancer survivors.
Lee Pearse, of Coastal Designs at Scotts Head, fashions a range of breezy Summer numbers which she sells at markets.
“I know how hot you can feel when you’re going through breast cancer treatment, so my designs are all light and made from cotton to make you feel good,” she said.
And Annie Cooper is new to the Valley, bringing with her a range of fashionable hats, wraps and accessories which dolled up some ‘recycled’ bargains nicely for the parade.
The Nambucca U3A-initiated ‘Ukes A Go Go’ entertained the room with with some strumming and humming in their first public foray.
All the money raised from the day will be contributed towards the new Macksville Hospital, which will feature a five-chair cancer treatment facility.