Local charity Friends of ANCHOR has revealed the line-up for its annual men’s fashion show Brave.
Earlier this week, 24 North-east men met for the first time, ready to swap their comfort zones for a catwalk to raise vital funds for the cancer charity, which supports the ANCHOR Unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
One of the participants is Peter Burr, 82, from Bridge of Don, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2024.
A persistent cough led Peter to his GP, who referred him for a scan which uncovered his diagnosis.
“They showed me the scan which was a shadow over my lung. My consultant explained it all and I just asked them to be open, honest and straight with me,” Peter said.
Peter’s consultant gave him a prognosis of one month to a year to live. “It was a shock,” he said.
“But that has been over a year and a half now, so in that respect it’s good.”
Peter began immunotherapy and has so far received nine out of 12 treatments. During his visits, he says he’s built a good rapport with the nurses and charity team: “I had a short stay in hospital which was fantastic. I had my newspaper delivered in the morning by Friends of ANCHOR, and their staff and volunteers would come in to chat to me. I even received a visit from Harvey the therapet.”
This year’s models are aged from 19 to 82, consisting of men from Laurencekirk to Huntly, Banff and Kingswells.
Each model has - at some point in their life, whether recently or in the past – faced a cancer or blood disorder diagnosis. Brave is the ‘brother’ event to female counterpart Courage on the Catwalk. It gives men the chance to step into the spotlight and recognise the strength and resilience they have shown in the face of a diagnosis.
The men in the line-up will soon be throwing themselves into weekly rehearsals which are led by Premiere Productions, who also style the models in preparation for their catwalk show.
They will be dressed in a selection of Aberdeen’s most-loved retailers including Georgian Dress Hire, M&S, Mitchell Scott, Neil Selbie + Co and Slaters.
The group met for the first time on Monday 9 February, quickly beginning to exchange stories. They received a walk-around tour of the venue and met two models from the charity’s 2025 event who helped alleviate some of their nerves.
For the eldest model Peter, who describes himself as ‘young at heart’, being chosen for Brave is “a bit overwhelming, but everyone seems in good fettle. I am here to have a laugh and enjoy myself”.
He added: “When I received my diagnosis, I made up my mind that I’m not going to worry about it, I am going to live a normal life. I lost my wife nine years ago to cancer and I have two daughters who always look out for me, but I just get on with life.”
More than 40 men submitted an application to take part in this year’s event, with a panel deliberating for six hours to select a diverse line-up representing various cancer types and men of all ages from across the region.
Brave tickets on sale now
Now in its 8th year, Brave will be held at P&J Live on Thursday 14th and Friday 15th May. The event has raised more than £1 million since it began in 2017.
Chief Executive Sarah Jane Hogg said: “We are so excited to meet our Brave 2026 cohort and welcome them into the model family. Brave is unique in its own right, with all 24 men stepping far out of their comfort zone to embark on this incredible journey, learning new things about themselves and entering a space which allows them to connect with others who have been through similar challenges. We can’t wait to watch lasting friendships form over the next three months and beyond.
“P&J Live is transformed for these events. The atmosphere is truly electric, filled with families bursting with love, pride and celebration for each model.”
Brave’s sister event Courage on the Catwalk will take place on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May for two sold out shows, featuring 30 North-east women who have experienced a cancer or haematology diagnosis at some stage in their life.
Tickets for Brave are on sale now: https://friendsofanchor.org/index.php/events/brave