A group of North-east models have helped raise a record-breaking sum for charity.
A collective of 47 local men and women took part in Brave and Courage on the Catwalk – two major annual fundraising events organised by local charity Friends of ANCHOR.
The models – who have all faced a cancer diagnosis or blood disorder at some point in their life - were trained, styled and pampered in the run-up to the shows, and soaked up the spotlight for a four-day run of events at P&J Live, where they helped raise a total of £390,000 for Friends of ANCHOR.
Sarah-Jane Hogg, chief executive at Friends of ANCHOR, said: “At the heart of the event are the models who bravely step far outside their comfort zone to be up on that stage – where we can recognise the resilience and strength they’ve each shown in the face of a diagnosis. For them, it’s also an opportunity to thank their loved ones, Friends of ANCHOR and the clinical teams who have helped them through their experience.
“Despite the heartache and pain a diagnosis brings, there is a real sense of joy and energy at these events. It’s a feeling like no other as our models’ families, friends and guests fill the event space with so much love, camaraderie and admiration for those in the spotlight. The goal of the experience is to help each model re-discover their confidence and sense of self that they may have lost during their treatment journey.”
Brave, which is in its seventh year, saw 24 men take to the stage to show off their dance moves while wearing casual attire, suits and highland wear from local retailers.
Courage on the Catwalk, which is in its 11th year, featured 23 local women who wore clothing from local shops including TigerLily Boutique, Mint Velvet, Marks & Spencer and Perfect Bridal.
The models put on four sold-out shows at P&J Live from May 8 -11, with nearly 3,500 guests in attendance.
Jovita Fawcett from Seaton was diagnosed with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) - a rare blood condition with no cure – when she was aged 17.
Now aged 26, she is reflecting on her time in the Courage on the Catwalk experience saying: “I don’t think there is anything I can do in life that will top this experience. The memories and friendships that I have made will last a lifetime.
“I can’t thank Friends of ANCHOR, Premiere Productions, and my ‘Courage sisters’ enough for these incredible few months.”
With training and choreography provided by professional modelling agency Premiere Productions, the models each attended six rehearsals, perfecting their moves, regaining their confidence and making lifelong friends along the way.
Courage on the Catwalk 2025 raised £213,000, while Brave 2025, the all-male equivalent, raised £177,000.
Sarah-Jane continued: “The room was electric each night of Courage on the Catwalk and Brave - if only we could bottle that atmosphere and take it home as a keepsake from the weekend!
“The amount raised from both events is phenomenal and thanks to our event sponsors and founding sponsor Balmoral, every penny will support the ANCHOR Unit. Our models know first-hand the positive impact the fundraising will deliver, funding services such as our chair and bedside therapies, cutting edge equipment and pioneering research.
“Every year we strive to lay on an unforgettable experience for our models and guests, which requires a collective effort from 260 volunteers across the weekend, our generous event sponsors, local retailers, suppliers, dedicated staff and of course, our models and guests. We can’t thank everyone enough for their kindness in making this event what it has become.”
Courage on the Catwalk and its sister event, Brave, are Friends of ANCHOR’s biggest fundraiser events with more than £2million raised since 2013.
Since their inception, the events have evolved into a key event in the Aberdeen calendar and every penny raised directly supports cancer and haematology patients in the north-east of Scotland, Orkney and Shetland.
People from the north-east who have personal experience of a cancer or blood disorder diagnosis can now register their interest to apply for Courage on the Catwalk and Brave 2026 by following this link: 2026 Model Interest Form