Tenovus to host fashion show with celebs for breast cancer awareness

Fashion Show on a Mission, hosted by Tenovus Cancer Care, will take place on Friday, October 20, at the Pier Pavilion in recognition of breast cancer awareness month.

The pier will be the show backdrop for the occasion, lighting up the sky in pink, the show will feature stylish and sustainable clothes from the charity’s shops.  

Judi Rhys, chief executive of Tenovus Cancer Care, said: “We are delighted to be holding this empowering and inclusive event in the community - to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

Penarth pier pavilion to host fashion show. Image: Nadezna Mandham (Image: Nadezna Mandham)Penarth Pier Pavilion to host a fashion show. Image: Nadezna Mandham

“But also showcase the fabulous work our staff and volunteers do upcycling and repurposing, clothes, shoes, and handbags in support of our cause.

"This event promises to be a great night out, and proceeds will go towards giving help, hope, and a voice to everyone affected by cancer.”

The event will be hosted by BBC Wales radio presenter Dot Davies, and Alsmaa Al-allak, a consultant surgeon from Cardiff who will be among the guests.

The models will include women with experience of breast cancer, including Sorya Kelly, 54, from Barry who will strut her stuff on the catwalk with teenage daughter Soffia.

She said: “If I help raise even more awareness of breast cancer by taking part in this event, then that’s fantastic. It is an honour for me to be able to do that.

Breast cancer survivor Soraya Kelly and founder of the gloves are on will take part in the fashion show with her daughter. Picture: File (Image: supplied)Breast cancer survivor Soraya Kelly, founder of the gloves are on will take part in the fashion show with her daughter. Picture: File 

“It's personal for me, I was lucky my breast cancer was caught early enough, it didn’t spread, and I am healing.

 “But there are still too many people who are being diagnosed late with the signs or symptoms dismissed.”

Ms Kelly believes it will be an emotional experience to walk down the catwalk with her daughter.

She added: “It will be emotional to walk down the catwalk with my daughter, Soffia, as cancer affects loved ones too.

“It’s been tough on all my family, and there needs to be more focus on the mental health of all affected.

“We need to do more to raise awareness, to educate all people from a young age, and starting in schools."

“More of us need to practice self-care, exercise, eat healthily, and manage stress. We need to listen to our bodies and take time out to check ourselves.”