BURY Hospice held a Catwalk of Courage Fashion Show where all the models had been affected by cancer.

Children and adults, male and female, all strutted their stuff on the catwalk to raise funds for the hospice with all clothes contributed by Littlewoods Clearance.

There were tales of courage and fighting spirit as each of the models admitted it was a huge confidence boost taking to the catwalk in front of a big audience – and they got to keep the clothes they modelled.

Jenner Jackson, aged 33, is a specialist sensory support assistant at Elton Primary School, and had a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago.

She said: “I was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 28 and it was such a shock, especially being so young.

“I thought it only happened to older people.

“The hardest part was losing my eye brows and eye lashes through chemotherapy as I felt that stripped my femininity away.

“You can cover your hair.

“I have just had my five year check-up though and everything is positive. It was superb to be involved in something like this.

“I worked with Deborah Lisle, whose husband John died at Bury Hospice, and she asked me to do this fashion show and I wanted to help.”

Jackie Holland’s dad Phillip died of cancer at Bury Hospice in December and she also battled breast cancer in 2012.

Ms Holland, aged 41, and her son George, 9, and daughter Millie, 5, who both go to Fairfield Primary School, were also models on the day.

“My children kept me going through a tough time,” said Jackie, who will be having more surgery this year.

Models for the day Marie O’Brien, aged 48, and Denise Jones, 58, both run Bury Hospice shops.

Marie runs the Radcliffe shop and both her parents died of cancer.

Denise is manager of the Prestwich shop and has battled cancer four times – in the womb, breast and skin cancer.

“It’s a real treat to be pampered,” said Denise, with Natalie Jade Hair doing all the hair and make-up on the day.

Richard Quarmby, 46, was diagnosed with testicular cancer when he was 18 and abroad – he was a medic in the army.

“I play golf with Deborah Lisle and she persuaded me to model at the fashion show. It was hard being diagnosed at 18, especially as I was away from home, but thankfully surgery cured it.”

Richard is now a HGV driver for Fagan and Whalley.

Last but certainly not least ten-year-old Corey Sewell, now 10, was diagnosed with a germ cell tumour in his pelvis at the age of two while on holiday in Florida.

He was operated on and had chemotherapy for five months.

The St Marie’s pupil plays cricket for Elton Cricket Club and has just had trials for Lancashire under-10s.

The event was held at the Longfield Suite in Prestwich and was compered by the Mayor Cllr Mike Connolly and his consort Ian Hargreaves, while Ms Manchester Earth Debra Taylor modelled auction prizes.

The models showed off party styles, summer clothes, casual attire, pyjamas and sparkles with glamour.

“It was a wonderful afternoon,” said Bury Hospice fundraiser and Catwalk of Courage organiser Michelle King.

“The models showed such courage, they have such fighting spirit and determination and we are proud of them.”