A Saffron Walden charity fundraiser was invited to switch on the Christmas lights at the Grand Arcade shopping centre in Cambridge at the weekend.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Natalie Emuss having switched on the Christmas lights at the Grand Arcade in CambridgeNatalie Emuss having switched on the Christmas lights at the Grand Arcade in Cambridge (Image: Copyright © 2016 Celia Bartlett Photography)

Natalie Emuss, from Littlebury, who volunteers for Support4Sight and is an ambassador for the Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, says she was “honoured” to be asked to push the button to turn on the shopping centre illuminations.

Natalie, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 45, organised a fashion show at Grand Arcade in October in aid of Addenbrooke’s Breast Cancer Appeal, and modelled alongside 15 other current and former cancer patients.

Natalie switched on the lights on Saturday (November 19), with fellow model and fundraiser Kerry Farrant, from Haverhill, and BBC Radio Cambridgeshire presenter Jeremy Sallis.

Natalie said: “It was quite an emotional day and not something I ever imagined I would do in my life. “It was an honour and it was great to be able to raise awareness of the breast cancer cause. The fashion show has so far raised £10,455 and we had a bucket collection on the day.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Lights on and confetti falls at the Grand Arcade - Countdown to Christmas!Lights on and confetti falls at the Grand Arcade - Countdown to Christmas! (Image: Copyright © 2016 Celia Bartlett Photography)

“It was quite nerve-racking but Jeremy is an experienced presenter so it was good to be on the stage with him.”

Saffron Walden Reporter: Grand Arcade, Cambridge. Christmas light display.Grand Arcade, Cambridge. Christmas light display. (Image: Copyright © 2016 Celia Bartlett Photography)