WOKINGHAM resident, Dalia Ismail, has taken part in a fashion show for a local charity that helped her through her cancer journey.
The event was organised by My Cancer My Choices and John Lewis & Partners, Reading, where the show took place.
Dalia joined seven other models drawn from other areas of Berkshire.
Each one took to the catwalk to music of their choice, and modelled two inspirational looks.
Performing in front of 100 friends, family and supporters of the charity, they wore outfits put together by the personal styling team at John Lewis, with make-up from Laura Mercier.
As well as giving them an opportunity to create special memories for themselves and their families, the fashion show gave the models the chance to do something for the charity that supported them.
Dalia, 35, is an oncology clinical researcher, wellness coach and patient advocate.
She has been receiving complementary therapies from My Cancer My Choices, following a recent diagnosis.
She said: “The fashion show was such a lovely event.
“I was quite nervous beforehand, but the energy in the room was so supportive, and I loved taking part.
“The outfits were great fun, too; my first was a matching denim top and bottom, with metal studs and a leopard waistcoat.
“I asked the John Lewis team if I could pull the look together with a hat and some sunnies, and to my amazement, they rustled up an expensive pair of Chanel sunglasses and a hat.
“They were super fun to wear.”
Her second outfit, an evening wear look, was just as enjoyable to model.
“I got to wear a very glam, tight-fitting long-sleeved green dress, with a fluffy red coat.”
“The whole experience was lovely and we were made to feel so special.”
Dalia is a passionate advocate for the charity that has helped her.
As well as taking part in the fashion show, she was a guest speaker at Wokingham event Mindset Unlimited, which took place recently.
“My Cancer My Choices is amazing,” she said.
“They give so much of their time to support people when they are most vulnerable, providing an extra level of care that’s just not possible in hospital, and treating each patient as a person.”
The organisation provides complementary therapies for people living with cancer across Berkshire, and is funded by money raised through donations.
Each month, around 900 volunteer hours are donated and over 100 complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, reflexology, and mindfulness courses, are given at four locations across the county.
CEO of the charity Claire Rhodes, said: “This was such an inspiring event.
“Our models, who have all had a cancer diagnosis, blew us away with their bravery taking to the stage, sharing their stories and how they have benefitted from the charity’s support.
“They all looked incredible too.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who came along to the event, as it enables us to continue delivering complementary therapies to more people.
“And we’re hugely thankful for the wonderfully generous support from John Lewis which makes this event happen.
“It really was an afternoon to remember.”
It is the fourth time that John Lewis & Partner Reading has hosted the event to help raise funds for the cancer charity.
For more information, and to make a donation, visit www.mycancermychoices.org
