Every year the Catwalk for a Cause fashion show acts as a brilliant fundraiser for Highland Hospice as well as giving a platform for those who have experienced – or are still going through – the cancer journey, whether as sufferers themselves or as friends or family as those who have endured it.
Spearheaded by owner of Inverness salon The Head Gardener, Alison McRitchie, it’s a night of tears but also hope as those at the sharp end get to shine as models for a night while also sharing their moving and inspiring stories. This year will be no exception as 12 amateur models get ready to strut their stuff.
Over the next four weeks we will be sharing the stories of these inspiring individuals.
Jackie Machendry.
Jackie Machendry
Jackie Machendry, retired, from Muir of Ord is in the final stages of COPD – but isn’t letting that stop him from doing his part.
Also living with heart problems he has been attending the Netley Health and Wellbeing Centre at Highland Hospice for the past six years and pays tribute to the good work that those there do fir him and others like him.
“It’s a place I feel I can be myself; everyone is living with life-limiting disease so is in the same boat,” he says.
“The staff are so kind and caring, and they make a good cup of tea, along with my favourite – the shortbread!
“I am picked up by a volunteer driver each week to attend my sessions at the hospice, including the Creative Group, and then am driven home, it’s brilliant.
“I wanted to take part in Catwalk for a Cause to give something back and help raise awareness of the work the hospice does.
“I’ve done some crazy things in my life so though why not to some modelling? I would describe my style as ‘old hippie’ – I’m looking forward to hitting the catwalk for the hospice next February.”
Carolyn Fea.
Carolyn Fea
For mum of three Carolyn Fea it is family reasons that are driving her to take part as she also battles cancer.
“My dad was a hospice ambassador, involved in the original extension and photographing many, many events throughout the years, also while going through cancer treatment himself,” says the piano teacher who loves on the Black Isle.
“I’m doing this to honour his memory as I know how much the hospice meant to him and, being that we have the same type of cancer, I feel I am doing this for him, as well as for myself.
Similarly to Jackie she is determined to do what she can.
“Due to the constant battle of living with cancer I can no longer commit to undertaking physical challenges to support the hospice, but I do love fashion and am looking forward to being part of this fundraiser for a charity that means so much to us as a family and remembering my dad’s legacy and all he did for the hospice,” she says.
Community news
Subscribe to receive our free email newsletters
David Stuart.
David Stuart
David Stuart’s life has been touched by cancer in many ways, seeing a number of friends as well as his parents pass away from the disease while others, including wife Pennie, have fought and survived.
The 59-year-old joiner and director of D&D Paving, from Lochend, says: “I’ve lost three friends recently to cancer, all people I cycled with at Inverness Cycle Club – Geoff Smith, Ian Mackinnon and Mark Falconer.
“They were all great guys and I’m walking down the catwalk in their memory; I know Mark in particular would have loved the whole idea of Catwalk and he’ll be up there laughing so hard at the idea of me modelling!
“I’m also modelling in memory of my mum and my dad who we lost over the past 10 years, both to cancer. My mum would have loved every minute of Catwalk for a Cause and would be delighted that I’m taking part.”
Paying tribute to the work of Highland Hospice he adds: “At first the idea of the hospice was difficult for my mum, but then it became a place of support and solace, a special place. It’s where she made silk scarves for my two sisters, Mary and Lou. Mary, who’s coming on the night, will be wearing hers. I’ve always supported the hospice since losing mum and come to Catwalk every year.
“My dad was a man of few words so I’m not sure what he’d have made of all this, but I think he’d have been quietly amused!”
Also taking to the catwalk for Pennie plus “great friends” Gemma, Joe, Doug and Ali who have all survived cancer he says it is important to note that “cancer doesn’t have to mean the end”.
He adds: “So I’m also modelling for them, they’re an inspiration to us all, I’m up here to show them how proud I am of them and to remind us all to never give up hope.”