Patients walk the walk to raise cancer charity cash

Cancer patients will be among 50 brave models taking to the catwalk to raise money for people and families living with the disease.

Mothers who have lost children, health professionals, patients and family members affected by the illness will all join forces in a bid to raise thousands of pounds.

Brave young people living with cancer will be donning their gladrags and strutting their stuff at the event, organised by Edinburgh-based charity It's Good 2 Give!

The youngest model is a seven-week-old baby, who is the child of one of the charity's trustees.

Hosted by TV presenter Stephen Jardine, the event is expected to attract more than 500 spectators and aims to raise at least 2000.

Former Scotland rugby internationals Andy Nicol and Scott Hastings will also take to the stage to show off this year's latest designs.

Kirsty Harrison, 20, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour when she was just 11, modelled in last year's charity fashion show. Although currently in hospital, the Telford College student hopes to be able to take to the catwalk once again this year and she believes it is a great way to boost the confidence of young cancer patients.

She said: "I have done it before and it was great fun.

"You get your hair and make-up done and you feel really good about yourself.

"They don't tell you what to wear, you get to pick your outfits yourself and get fittings in clothes shops which are sponsoring the event.

"You're always really nervous before you go out but I just felt amazing last year."

The fashion show will take place at the Tom Fleming Centre for the Performing Arts at Erskine Stewart's Melville School on Sunday.

The models will showcase pieces from local designers and boutique owners.

As well as the catwalk show, the Siamsoir Performance Troupe, an independent Celtic dance company based in Edinburgh, will be dancing on the night.

Lynne McNicoll, volunteer fundraiser of the year and co-founder of It's Good 2 Give!, said she "bursts with pride" when she sees brave young cancer patients step up on to the catwalk.

She said: "I can't help but get a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes when you think of what they are going through and what they have been through.

"Our fashion show is one of the highlights of the year for me.

"To have the support of so many young cancer patients and their families, and the professionals who treat them, means a lot to us.

"It is a great fun day getting ready for the show and a wonderful event.She added: "It's Good 2 Give! is going from strength to strength this year and I am very proud of all who help us and the community spirit that exists."

For tickets, which cost 10 or 15, visit www.itsgood2give.co.uk/events.