Reality TV stars Stacey Forsey and Seema Malhotra showed their support for Beechwood Cancer Care Centre at its annual Ladies’ Lunch and Fashion Show that raised more than £35,000.
The Real Housewives of Cheshire stars were among hundreds of women who attended the event at the Hilton, Deansgate, to raise money for the cancer care charity.
Seema’s new collection of clothes from her brand – Forever Unique – were shown during the show, along with Fizz Fashion, and actress Tricia Penrose – known best for her role in Heartbeat – performed Son of a Preacher Man in memory of her mum who recently passed away after a battle with cancer.
The theme for this year’s event was Midsummer Night’s Dream and was hosted by Key 103’s Trevor Jordan. Beechwood models – who have all been treated for cancer – Kate Brennan, Juliette Hardy Wilson, Hannah Worsley and Julie Gill also bravely took to the catwalk.
Fleur Binnington, who has used Beechwood’s services and has now worked for the charity as a family counsellor since January, spoke about her experience of losing her husband in 2013 to a rare germ cell cancer – with the room giving her a standing ovation.
The mum-of-two said: “Chris was never ill, so finding out he had cancer was a massive shock.
“The counsellor at Beechwood shared our rollercoaster ride and was there when our world fell apart.
“Three months after his diagnosis, Chris was told he was terminally ill. Chris was dying.
“We then made the most of our precious time together but on December 2, 2013, Chris died in my arms at Christie Hospital. I now honour my husband by living life to the full. And I will be forever grateful to Beechwood.”
Beechwood Cancer Care Centre supports people from across the North West with every aspect of their journey with cancer and life limiting illness.
The event was sponsored by Brown Shipley private banking, Pareto Financial Planning and venue dressers, Eventures, along with support from Sean Wareing Photography.
Beechwood fundraising manager Angela Gray said: “It was a fantastic day of amazing food, fashion, entertainment and inspirational stories. We are delighted with the amount of money raised at the event and would like to thank everyone for their support.”