Two cancer survivors will show their gratitude for a local cancer charity by modelling in an upcoming fashion show.
Jackie Ingram from Bournemouth and Steve Jewell from Stourpaine both received financial help from Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF) when they were going through cancer treatment.
Now the duo are amongst the models taking part in the Debnique Fashion Show on Wednesday May 15 at Dudsbury Golf Course, Ferndown, with all proceeds going to the charity.
Jackie has had breast cancer twice and lost both her breasts with no opportunity of reconstruction.
The keen sea swimmer also suffered acute swelling in her legs which saw her body confidence plummet.
When expensive specialist swimwear seemed out of her reach she resigned herself to never swimming again. Then DCCF stepped forward to help.
Jackie said: “When the swimsuit arrived in the post I cried.
“It was so pretty and no one has a clue what it hides beneath.
“I went into the water the following day and have been in every week since. I’ve even signed up for the Pier to Pier swim in July.”
Jackie, who is also deaf said: “Appearing on a catwalk in front of an audience would have filled me with horror a year ago. But DCCF has helped me find my mojo again and I want to do all I can to help it raise funds for other cancer sufferers.
“I hope many other people will come and support it too as the charity is doing such wonderful things for cancer patients right across the county.”
Former plumber Steve Jewell was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013 following his third hip replacement.
He said: “I had an op and radiotherapy and I thought I’d beaten it, but then they found cancer in my bones which was a huge blow.”
He continued: “Fighting cancer is hard enough, but as I was self-employed and wasn’t able to work during my chemotherapy, my wife Cindy and I got into mortgage arrears which meant added stress.”
Steve and Cindy were told about DCCF by their GP surgery.
The charity gives grants to pay for everything from transport to and from hospital, to household bills and short breaks.
The couple made a simple application and DCCF paid the mortgage month they owed and another month on top.
Steve said: “It was a huge weight off our shoulders and left us able to get on with my treatment without the worry about being behind with our mortgage.”
During the charity fashion show Jackie, Steve and others will be modelling clothes provided by DCCF supporters Debnique of Ashley Cross and Fox Tailoring of Canford Cliffs.
The fashion shows starts at 7pm and will also feature stalls and entertainment.
Steve said: “DCCF was a lifeline to us and although I’m not exactly your typical male model, I’m really looking forward to strutting my stuff on the catwalk!”
Tickets for the fashion show cost £15 and are available from Debnique in Ashley Cross or by phoning Nikki Davies Thompson on: 07593 890879.
Details of how to donate to or apply for help from DCCF can be found at: www.dccf.co.uk
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Media information from Debbie Granville on 07884 657782 email: Debbie.granville@deepsouthmedia.co.uk