Men who have been through a cancer diagnosis are being urged to be bold in 2025 – by applying to take part in charity fashion show Brave.
With less than a month to go until applications close, organiser Friends of ANCHOR wants to encourage more men to step into the spotlight for the “lifechanging, one-off experience”.
Every year, 24 local men and 24 women take to the catwalk for the charity’s annual fashion shows Brave and Courage on the Catwalk – which have raised more than £2million over the last decade.
But the events are much more about friendships and fun, and celebrating the journey the models have been through, than fashion.
Friends of ANCHOR also hosts an icebreaker dinner to help the models get to know each other after the top-secret reveal, and throughout the course of six rehearsals the groups form firm friendships.
The 2024 cohorts still meet for breakfasts, coffees, spa dates and get-togethers each month – with their loved ones also getting involved.
Dozens of applications for Courage on the Catwalk have already been received, but so far men have been slow to put themselves forward.
Local businessman Jim Grimmer took part in this year’s Brave, and admitted the experience will push models out of their comfort zone – but in the best way.
Mr Grimmer, who was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in 2021, said: “There is no question that Brave will take you out of your comfort zone, but there are 24 guys together who are all in the same boat. It was incredible to witness firsthand the banter and camaraderie that developed in our group as we encouraged and cheered each other on. That only grew as the weeks of rehearsal went by.
“The Premiere Productions team were brilliant at talking us through our steps on ‘the catwalk’ and what’s not to like about someone choosing an outfit for you? I think as the team get to know you personally, they use that knowledge to select the perfect outfit for you – be that casual, smart or a kilt.”
The 63-year-old, from Kingswells, urged anyone considering coming forward to pop in an application.
“There is nothing that will prepare you for the Brave experience,” he said. “It was an emotional rollercoaster but by the time of our last performance we were all walking with a swagger that spoke volumes of how we could celebrate our individual journeys despite the challenges many had faced.
“If you’re thinking about applying, go for it! Any fear of being a catwalk model pales into insignificance with what so many have been through on our cancer journeys. Life is short, as we know, and too short to miss an opportunity like this. It’s a life-changing, one-off experience that you can look back on with pride.”
Applications are open to any man or woman, aged 16+, from across Grampian, Orkney and Shetland, who has been through a cancer or haematology diagnosis.
The selected models will take to the catwalk at P&J Live on May 8 and 9, showing off an array of casual, formal and occasionwear provided by local retailers.
The selected models will be professionally styled and trained by model agency Premiere Productions UK.
Erica Banks, head of communications for Friends of ANCHOR, said: “We know it always takes the guys a little bit more persuasion to come forward for Brave, but once they apply and are selected they throw themselves into the experience wholeheartedly, and have lots of fun along the way.
“Although they’re called fashion shows, don’t let that put you off applying – nobody is going to insist you walk in a certain way or strike a pose you’re not comfortable with. It’s much about having fun and re-building the confidence that so often can be lost following a cancer diagnosis. The shows really are a celebration, and offer a chance to bond with other men who have been through similar experiences to you.”
Every penny raised through the shows goes towards supporting the wellbeing of ANCHOR patients – from offering complementary therapies and handing out care packs – and investing in research and equipment to ensure Grampian remains at the forefront of cancer care. The charity also funds staff development opportunities.
Tickets are on sale now for Brave. A waiting list is in operation for Courage on the Catwalk.
To apply to be in the 2025 line-up, download an application form from the Friends of ANCHOR website, email info@friendsofanchor.org or call 01224 859136. Application packs are also available from the ANCHOR Unit.
Applications close at noon on Friday, January 24.