It's raised over half a million pounds to date, and now Maggie's On The Runway returns for its final flight. The huge charity fashion event launched back in 2016 in aid of Maggie's Manchester, a cancer support centre based in the grounds of The Christie Hospital.
The facility in Withington provides invaluable emotional, practical and social support to people living with a cancer diagnosis, as well as their loved ones. And, at a time where many are struggling financially due to the cost of living crisis, the charity has helped its visitors claim more than £5million to help support them in a time where incomes can be affected due to having to reduce their hours or give up work due to hospitalisation or to undergo treatment.
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Maggie's Manchester is open to anyone and everyone, but it costs an £4,000 a day to run. The centre does not receive any government funding and relies solely on the donations.
MOTR is their biggest fundraiser, with the last three events helping to raise over £640,000. As well a headline performance from 80s star and Maggie's Ambassador Rick Astley, it sees models, all of who have been affected by cancer in some way, take to the catwalk at Manchester Airport's Runway Visitor Centre and strut their stuff underneath the iconic Concorde.
Many of those involved have received a cancer diagnosis themselves, and know first hand the impact that the disease and gruelling treatment can have on the body. It can shatter a person's confidence and cause them to fall out of love with their own bodies.
Over the years MOTR has empowered dozens of models to take back that confidence. As well as an incredible support network from their fellow fashionistas, each is given beauty and fashion makeover by top end high street brands to make them feel a million dollars as they step out onto the catwalk.
Robin Muir, centre head at Maggie’s Manchester says the event changes the lives of those who take part forever.
"MOTR is such a unique event – not only does it make a massive contribution to the funds we need to keep our doors open each day, it changes the lives of the people who take part forever.
"Cancer can rob people of their self-confidence and their sense of identity. Getting out their and strutting their stuff on the catwalk, or singing their heart out with the choir gives them the most amazing boost. Plus the love they receive on the night from 600 guests cheering them on is truly something special."
Following past events in 2016, 2018 and 2021, which each featured two separate events in one day (an afternoon tea and an evening gala), MOTR returns this week for Maggie's On The Runway: The Final Flight. Tickets sold out in record time, and already those involved have raised just shy of £40,000 for the centre.
Taking part for 2023 will be 24 models, as well as 20 special guests. MOTR producer Margo Cornish said: “This time we are concentrating on one evening event only whilst introducing some of the delightful parts of the former afternoon show.
"It is going to be a unique and entertaining evening bringing everyone together to celebrate the wonderful work that Maggie’s do."
Although the event is sold out, anyone wanting to make a donation to Maggie's Manchester can do via their website or via the models' Justgiving page.
