Community unites at Catwalk4Cancer

Special guest speakers Renee Garing and Nicole Riddle with Jacqui Felgate (centre). Photos: SUPPLIED.

GEELONG’S most fashionable fundraiser took centre stage at the Geelong Arts Centre last weekend to raise vital funds for cancer services within the region.

Barwon Health Foundation’s Ceres Life Catwalk4Cancer event was attended by more than 270 people and combined fun and fundraising with a fashion catwalk.

The Catwalk! Event styling by IGBY Productions.

Funds raised on the night will support the foundation in purchasing a laryngoscope flexible video, a vital piece of state-of-the-art medical equipment to assist Barwon Health’s oncology teams in diagnosing and treating throat and oesophageal cancer.

MC Jacqui Felgate with Stefi Kerby from Celia Loves. Stefi raised over $20,000 through Dry July in support of Barwon Health’s Andrew Love Cancer Centre.

The event was compered by Jacqui Felgate and featured collections from Ceres Life and local brands including Roses Bridal, Pearls and Roses Lifestyle, RAEF the label, Luxe Closet and Reigner Clothing.

Many local stylists and brands featured in the event.

Geelong best friends Nicole Riddle and Renee Garing shared their personal journey of navigating friendship and support throughout Nicole’s cancer diagnosis.

Barwon Health Foundation acting executive director Francis Trainor said the charity event was a huge success.

“We are so appreciative of all our incredible guests, sponsors and event partners who truly embraced the spirit of giving and support on the weekend,” he said.

“All funds raised through the special event will directly support local cancer patients. It was obvious that most of the room had been touched by cancer in some form and were keen to give back.

“There is still some way to go to reach our target for this vital piece of equipment and we would welcome more community support.”