Harrogate volunteers affected by cancer spotlighted in charity fashion show

Harrogate volunteers have featured in Yorkshire Cancer Research's first supporter fashion show at the charity's new superstore in York.

Marking the launch of the charity’s Christmas campaign across its network of 18 shops, the event brought together 15 people affected by cancer to model outfits sourced from YCR shops.

Through a series of themed catwalks and heartfelt speeches, the event celebrated the stock donors, volunteers and supporters whose generosity helps fund research breakthroughs in Yorkshire.

At the heart of the Yorkshire Cancer Research fashion show were people affected by cancer whose experiences are central to the charity's mission to find new and better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer.

Those who took part included people rebuilding confidence after a cancer diagnosis, others receiving treatment, families celebrating milestones together and individuals remembering loved ones. 

Jacquie McLeod, from Harrogate, never expected to benefit from the pioneering research that her role as a Yorkshire Cancer Research volunteer played a vital part in funding. 

After first moving to Yorkshire seven years ago, 62-year-old Jacquie MacLeod stepped through the doors of the Harrogate Yorkshire Cancer Research Centre for a coffee and a browse in the shop.

Jacquie said: “I was first told I had breast cancer 15 years ago, and after recovering from surgery, I was then diagnosed with leukaemia and had a stem cell transplant four years later.

"All the treatment I received had been a result of research, so for me, it’s so important we continue to raise funds for more life-saving treatments." 

Unfortunately, in July 2025, Jacquie was diagnosed with cancer for the third time.

She was soon referred to Active Together, the research-backed cancer exercise service funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research to help her prepare for and recover from cancer treatment. 

Jacquie said: “I felt a very small lump on the surface of my breast, so I went get it checked.

"I was so shocked and upset receiving the news it was breast cancer. I remember thinking, how is this possible?

"But since starting with Active Together, I feel like I'm not alone. The team have been so friendly and understanding during a really difficult time.

"Both before and after my radiotherapy treatment, their support has given me the confidence and hope to keep going." 

Since starting Active Together, Jacquie's role as a volunteer at the charity's centre in Hornbeam Park – the same place she continues to receive pioneering exercise treatment – has become particularly meaningful.

Taking part in the Yorkshire Cancer Research fashion show was her opportunity to highlight the life-changing impact of research-backed exercise services for people with cancer. 

Jacquie continued: “I feel privileged to be a volunteer and give back to the fabulous service that is still supporting me, even after treatment.

"It makes me feel like we're part of one big family, with everyone having the same goal – to help Yorkshire Cancer Research and its mission to prevent, detect and treat cancer better.

"It was an honour to be asked to be a part of the Yorkshire Cancer Research fashion show, recognising everyone who has given their stock, money and time to fund the charity’s vital work.” 

The Yorkshire Cancer Research fashion show was hosted by former ITV presenter Christine Talbot, who was diagnosed and treated for a fast-growing type of breast cancer. 

Christine said: "When I was told I had cancer in 2012, I was live on TV every night and very much in the public eye.

"The support I received from colleagues and the public was overwhelming. Cancer is not something you would ever wish on anyone, but it showed me a whole new level of kindness I didn't know existed." 

She added: "When I was asked to host the Yorkshire Cancer Research fashion show, I was delighted.

"At this time of year, family and community take on even greater importance, and events like this are a wonderful reminder of the strength and generosity of people across Yorkshire.

"I'm proud to support a charity that is helping bring life-saving breakthroughs to Yorkshire and changing what a cancer diagnosis means for people across the region." 

Jane White, from Harrogate, walked down the catwalk to raise awareness about how cancer screening can save lives.

The grandmother-of-two plays a vital role in the Yorkshire Cancer Research retail team as an eCommerce volunteer, funding life-saving cancer research by sorting and selling pre-loved items through the charity’s eBay store. 

After Jane was diagnosed with breast cancer through a routine NHS mammogram in January 2018, supporting the charity’s work to find new and better ways to detect cancer became especially important to her. 

Jane said: “We’d just enjoyed a lovely Christmas together, and I didn’t suspect anything was wrong.

"My screening almost didn’t go ahead the following January because it had been snowing.

"Because my breast cancer was detected early, I was able to have an operation to remove the tumour and needed no further treatment. I feel so fortunate and grateful to have received a mammogram.” 

Jane is now an advocate for the DOORSTEP study, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, which offered thousands of women in Yorkshire free door-to-door transport to breast screening appointments. 

“Being told I had breast cancer made me determined to make the most of every day. Over the last two years, many of our friends have sadly died from cancer.

"Now, I’m passionate about encouraging people to attend screening appointments when they’re invited.” 

Jane continued: “In my role as a Yorkshire Cancer Research volunteer, I like to describe myself as a treasure hunter.

"Through online selling, we’re able to showcase more valuable or unique items to a much wider audience.

"Knowing that my volunteering helps raise funds for research to improve the detection and diagnosis of cancer across Yorkshire makes it incredibly worthwhile.” 

"I was extremely proud to be asked to take part in the Yorkshire Cancer Research fashion show.

"This event is an excellent opportunity to wave the charity's flag and raise awareness about how amazing pre-loved finds can help save lives in Yorkshire.” 

Every outfit featured on the catwalk was carefully curated by long-standing Yorkshire-coast based businesswoman and supporter Tina Boden and image consultant Jackie Crawford, from York.  

Tony Graham, Director of Retail at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “Funds raised through the charity's shops play a vital role in funding the talented researchers and experts working to find new and better ways to prevent detect and treat cancer in Yorkshire.

"Every item donated, every purchase made and every volunteer hour helps turn pre-loved goods into life-saving research and innovative cancer services that are changing lives across the region.”  

Shop with Yorkshire Cancer Research this Christmas and help keep families together: www.yorkshirecancerresearch.org.uk/christmas-appeal-2026