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.
Launching the charity’s Christmas campaign across its network of 18 shops, the fashion show brought together 15 people from across Yorkshire to model outfits sourced entirely from Yorkshire Cancer Research shops.
Together, the 15 models represented the reality that someone in Yorkshire is diagnosed with cancer every 15 minutes, bringing the statistic to life through their own experiences and connections to cancer.
Through a series of themed catwalks and heartfelt speeches, the event celebrated the donors, volunteers and supporters whose generosity helps turn pre-loved items into vital funding for pioneering cancer research and services across the region.
The fashion show took place on Wednesday, November 4th at their flagship York superstore, which opened in March 2026 at Foss Islands Retail Park.
Celebrating Supporters
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.
People Affected by Cancer
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.
Two of those models were Darren and Sarah, from York, who have been married for 30 years. Over a decade of that time has been spent facing both of their cancer diagnoses together, and taking part in the Yorkshire Cancer Research Fashion was a way to celebrate how far they've come.
Sarah was first told she had neuroendocrine tumours, a rare type of nerve cell cancer, in 2015, after years of misdiagnosis. Then, in 2022, Darren was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma, a rare and fast-growing type of blood cancer. Due to the nature of their cancers, the pair have both required specialist treatment that's taken them far beyond their home in Poppleton.
Darren was referred to St James's University Hospital for a more specialised type of chemotherapy, later receiving a donor-supplied stem cell and bone marrow transplant. Sarah regularly has to travel a 160-mile round trip to receive the specialist treatment she needs in Manchester.
Darren said: "There have been a lot of ups and downs, and through both our cancer experiences, I've gained a deep knowledge of the capabilities of different hospitals in Yorkshire.
"There are serious imbalances in cancer diagnosis, treatment and care across our region. As a family, we’ve certainly seen that postcode lottery. We’re fortunate to be able to afford transport and flexibility with our daily lives, but not everyone is."
Wanting to give back, Darren shares his and Sarah’s experiences to help Yorkshire Cancer Research better understand the issues and perspectives of people affected by cancer.
"If I can even be a little part of the charity's mission to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in Yorkshire, then I'm very happy to be that voice. We’re delighted to be able to support Yorkshire Cancer Research in this event the charity’s essential work."
Hosts and Stylists
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."
Funding Research Through Shops
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."
More information about shopping with Yorkshire Cancer Research this Christmas can be found on the website.
