A CANCER charity will feel the full support of Saffron Walden next week as the town goes Vogue by hosting a fashion show.

A host of independent retailers will have their best strutted on a specially-made cat walk at the Town Hall on Wednesday October 13. All those involved have donated prizes to be won at the raffle.

The event is aimed at raising awareness and funds for Wallace Cancer Care which has been supporting cancer patients and their families and carers for six years from two drop-in centres – an information centre in Addenbrooke’s Hospital, and a complementary therapy centre in Red Cross Lane, Cambridge.

The charity focuses on the practical, physical and psychological aspect, and provides a range of support and information services - including nutritional advice and workshops, relaxation and stress control, managing side effects, counselling, workshops and support groups – to people all over East Anglia.

Kirsty Keegan, from the charity, is organising the fashion show and she is hoping it will go off with a bang.

“The close community in Saffron Walden has pulled together to support this wonderful charity and we are putting on a fashion show which will introduce Wallace Cancer Care to people in the area,” she said.

“A fashion show is a great way to get everyone involved and to reach a wider audience. It will be a fun night with models strutting their stuff, music and hopefully a wonderful atmosphere.

“We are delighted to organise this event on behalf of all the retailers taking part and are so pleased with the community spirit which is integral to Saffron Walden.”

She added: “Our activities are all designed to empower and inform, break down feelings of helplessness and isolation, and support patients and carers in taking control of their health and managing side effects.”

The fashion show will be a truly Saffron Walden event. It was instigated by Johnny Briggs, whose two clothing shops – Johnny Briggs and Jenny Briggs in Market Row – are amongst the 13 retailers involved in the project.

“I was talking to one of my customers about a fund raising event that she was involved with in the summer raising money for cancer care,” he said.

“I knew lots of shops in Saffron Walden would be happy to help to raise money for such a worthwhile cause so I offered to help her to organise a charity fashion show. All I really did was talk to Kirsty at Wallace Cancer Care and she did the rest!”

The event is also being sponsored by Saffron Walden estate agent Bidwells. Partner Julian Carder said: “Statistics now show that one in three individuals contract cancer in their lifetime so in one way or another we are all effected by it.

“Charities like Wallace Cancer Care offer invaluable support to cancer sufferers.

“Bidwells is delighted to be able to help as the main sponsor and to support this dedicated charity in raising funds.”

Tickets are on sale now at �7.50, including a glass of wine or soft drink, from all the retailers involved and the Bidwells offices, or by e-mailing fundraising@wallacecancercare.org.uk