Livingston mum helps raise over £200,000 for cancer charity

Oct 9 2008 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

Lothian cancer care

MUM-OF-TWO Joanne Potter of Livingston has played her part in raising over £200,000 for a cancer charity.

Joanne (49), from Eliburn, was chosen from hundreds of entrants to be one of 20 models at the recent Breast Cancer Care fashion show in Glasgow.

And the event raised £235,000 to fund the charity’s work.

The show is particularly special as all the models, including Joanne, have suffered from – or still suffer from – breast cancer, demonstrating that you can still look and feel fabulous despite such a diagnosis.

Two shows took place at Glasgow’s Radisson Hotel in front of more than 1000 people, one in the afternoon hosted by Jackie Brambles from ITV show Loose Women, and the second show in the evening, hosted by David Robertson from Reporting Scotland.

Joanne was a confident, outgoing woman with a high-profile career when she was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago.

But she decided to take part in the Breast Cancer Care Scotland fashion show for her family, and said it was fantastic for her sons to see her looking just as she was before being diagnosed with cancer.

She said: “It was an absolutely amazing feeling to be up on the catwalk along with other such inspirational men and women.

“For the first time since my diagnosis three years ago I felt like the woman I once was, and my confidence has been restored.

“After what we’ve all gone through it was great to be part of something so glamorous and special.

“Breast Cancer Care has made such a difference to me and I have been delighted to give something back.”

Joanne was transformed into a catwalk star, modelling clothes from style sponsor, Silverburn.

Colin Graham, area fundraising manager for Breast Cancer Care Scotland, described the event as a great success.

He said: “Yet again, the fashion shows have been a fantastic success, raising more money for Breast Cancer in Scotland than ever before.

“We could not have achieved this remarkable feat had it not been for our fantastic models.

“Their confidence, grace and sense of fun was remarkable and really made the night the success that it was.

“The money raised will allow Breast Cancer Care to continue to provide information, practical assistance and emotional support for anyone affected by breast cancer.

“All of the money raised in Scotland stays in Scotland to help us to continue to provide our free services.”

For more information on the services offered by Breast Cancer Care in Scotland call 0808 800 6000 or visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk MODEL BEHAVIOUR: Joanne Potter from Livingston is pictured (second from left), with (l-r) Heather Clark, Kirsty Roberts, Miss Scotland Stephanie Willemse, Susan Rose, Sandra Arbuckle and Andy Darling.zzwlc021008breastcancer-1