Yorkshire Cancer Research has held its first supporter fashion show at the charity’s new superstore in York, shining a spotlight on the experiences of people affected by cancer and their families in Yorkshire.
Marking the launch of the charity’s Christmas campaign across its network of 18 shops, the fashion show brought together 15 people from across the region to model outfits sourced entirely from Yorkshire Cancer Research shops. Each person who took part represented the fact that every 15 minutes, someone in Yorkshire is told they have cancer.
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. Thanks to them, more than four million items have been sold across the charity’s shops since the beginning of 2026, transforming second-hand treasures into vital funding for pioneering research and innovative cancer services.
The fashion show also showcased the unique pre-loved fashion available in Yorkshire Cancer Research shops, highlighting how every purchase made this Christmas helps shoppers discover one-of-a-kind finds and reduce waste, while raising vital funds for vital research.
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.
While every person’s connection to cancer and the charity’s work is different, each experience reflects the impact of cancer in Yorkshire and the vital role research plays in keeping families together for longer.
Having experienced cancer across three generations of her family, Jane Gosling, from Brough in East Yorkshire, took part in the Yorkshire Cancer Research fashion show in tribute to her loved ones.
Her mother, Freda, sadly died from breast cancer on the same day Jane gave birth to her daughter, Mary. Years later, the disease would affect the family once again when Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 41
Jane said: “My mum dying was one of the worst days of my life. I was experiencing the joy of becoming a mother while grieving the loss of my own. But then watching your child go through cancer is something no parent ever expects. All you want to do is take it away from then, but you can’t.”
Thankfully, following chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy, Mary has now been cancer-free for five years, and has become a passionate advocate for breast screening and early diagnosis. It was Mary’s encouragement that led Jane to attend her own mammogram, and following further tests, found her breast cancer early.
Jane said: “Many people don’t realise that once you turn 71, you’re no longer routinely invited for breast screening, but you can still request an appointment. That’s how my cancer was found. As it was caught early, I was able to receive a very small, successful surgery and move forward with my life.”
Wanting to give back and help other families affected by cancer, Jane took part in a two-hour danceathon, raising more than £750 to help find new and better ways to detect and treat cancer. Jane’s latest venture in the Yorkshire Cancer Research fashion show is a way to commemorate the people who helped to save her life.
Jane continued: “I credit both my daughter for giving me that push to attend my mammogram and my mum. I inherited her determination to get on with life, no matter what challenges come your way. Without both of their influencers, I often think about how different things could have been. Taking part in the fashion show was a wonderful way to celebrate them both.”
Jane concluded: “For our family now, life is all about making memories together. I’ve been on a zip wire, attempted surfing in Sri Lanka and even camped overnight in the desert. Keep dancing, keep singing, keep doing whatever brings you joy. None of us knows what’s around the corner, so it’s important to make the most of every day.”
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.”
“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.”
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.
Tina said: “For more than a decade, I’ve had the privilege of supporting the work of Yorkshire Cancer Research in a variety of ways. What first inspired me to get involved was the charity’s commitment to putting the needs of people in our region at the heart of everything it does. From over 10 years of fundraising to helping people through their best through confidence coaching, it has been wonderful to draw on the skills I’ve developed over the years to bring this special fashion event to life.
Raising awareness of the impact cancer research has on people and families across Yorkshire is so important, and the Yorkshire Cancer Research fashion show was a truly magical way to have those conversations while supporting life-saving research.”
Jackie said: “As a Transformational Stylist, I help people embrace positive change by using colour and personal styling to build confidence and self-esteem. This project has allowed me to flex my creative muscles and style charity supporters using pre-loved clothes from Yorkshire Cancer Research shops. As a champion of sustainable fashion, I love the idea of the new adventures that pre-loved clothes will enjoy with their new owners.
“It has been a truly special opportunity to help such a wonderful group of people feel confident and empowered after some of the most challenging times of their lives.”
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.”
“The Yorkshire Cancer Research fashion show is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the incredible quality and variety of items available in the charity’s shops, while celebrating the supporters, volunteers and donors whose generosity makes such vital work possible. It’s thanks to them, the charity is bringing new cancer cures to Yorkshire and helping keep families together – not just at Christmas, but every day of the year.”
Shop with Yorkshire Cancer Research this Christmas and help keep families together: www.yorkshirecancerresearch.org.uk