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Bromley’s shopping centre is once again supporting the nationwide Breast Cancer Awareness campaign, with a range of fun, pink-themed events to raise funds to fight the disease.

The highlight of the Glades’ Breast Cancer Awareness activities this year will be a very special fashion show featuring an exceptional team of ladies as models, all of whom are either being treated for breast cancer or are in remission from the disease. Showcasing the latest Autumn trends available from the Glades’ retailers, the fundraising models take to the catwalk at 1pm on Thursday 8 October in the Glades’ Central Atrium.

Courageous women
The breast cancer patients braving the catwalk are of varying ages, shapes and sizes, representing the fact that this disease can strike any woman – and, for that matter, any man. The models have been encouraged to strut their stuff for the cause by Lee Burgess, Breast Care Nurse at Farnborough’s Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH). Preparing them for their moment in the spotlight with choreography tips will be Danielle Harrison, co-ordinator of the Glades’ Autumn Fashion Shows – which will begin the following day, lasting from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 October.

“Modelling is going to be a challenge,” admits Karen Hewings, one of the models, “but I’d do anything to help raise awareness of breast cancer.” Karen, a 42-year-old Metropolitan Police Officer from Locksbottom, has survived the disease twice, being diagnosed in both 1999 and 2004. “My case proves that breast cancer is not a death sentence,” she says. “I feel very fortunate to have been treated by the team at the PRUH,” she adds, “because they offer brilliant reconstructive surgery and it’s available immediately – whereas, in other areas, women have to wait up to two years to get this important treatment that helps them to resume normal life.”

Like Karen, fellow model Sarah Clark has also had two bouts of breast cancer. “I was diagnosed in 2003 and 2007,” she says, “but I’m just on medication now.” A PA in community medicine for the NHS, Sarah is relishing the challenge of modelling at the fashion show. “Having seen the Glades’ shows in previous years, I’m really looking forward to it,” she admits. Sarah, 40, who lives in Chislehurst, urges women not to delay in going to their GP if they find a lump in their breast. “I finally paid a visit to the surgery because my husband nagged me until I went, and I’m so glad that he did,” she says. “Breast cancer is treatable if you catch it early.”

Funding vital equipment
The fundraising models have all been under the care of the specialist breast cancer team at the PRUH, and it is this local unit that will benefit from the money raised at the event. The hospital’s Consultant Breast Surgeon, Mr Anil Desai, is leading a campaign to raise £60,000 to purchase a machine known as a sentinel lymph node analyser. Currently, women have to wait about two weeks for the results of a sentinel node biopsy but this new piece of equipment will enable the PRUH’s team to carry out the analysis and all the required lymph surgery in one operation, improving the lives of patients and also saving the hospital money.

‘Bra of Inspiration’
The Glades’ popular ‘Bra of Inspiration’ will make a welcome return. The supersized bra comes to life as shoppers add beautiful silk roses, purchased for a suggested donation of £1, to the display as a tribute to a friend or loved one who has been touched by breast cancer. Anyone placing a rose also has the opportunity to write a short, inspirational message or dedication, which can then be attached to the reverse of the display.

In the pink!
To add to the fun of the fundraising fashion show on Thursday 8 October, stores will be dressing their windows with pink merchandise and materials to match the Breast Cancer Awareness theme, and retail staff will be joining in by sporting pink clothing and accessories.

Maria Cooper, Marketing Manager at the Glades, comments, “We are delighted to be supporting Breast Cancer Awareness again.  Our objective, with the help of the Glades’ retailers and customers, is to raise as much money as possible to help purchase this vital piece of analysing equipment at the Princess Royal University Hospital, where our wonderful models have benefited from the treatment provided by the dedicated breast cancer team.”