VALE cancer fundraiser Nicole Touye is preparing for her modelling debut on the London catwalk as part of a celebrity fashion show.

The event, being held at the capital's Grosvenor House Hotel on October 6, is part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Money raised during the campaign will be donated to Breast Cancer Care. The charity provides free information, practical assistance and emotional support for anyone affected by the disease

Mother-of-one Nicole, aged 42, from Evesham, was diagnosed with breast cancer last January and underwent successful treatment. While fighting the illness she began fundraising for cancer charities, including taking part in Evesham's Race for Life during chemotherapy.

She applied to be a model for the fashion show after her friend took part last year, and was one of a handful of women chosen.

Carol Vorderman and Jerry Hall will be hosting the prestigious event, which will showcase designs from Ben de Lisi, Catherine Walker and Betty Jackson.

Nicole said: "I am really delighted that I have been picked to do the fashion show - I forgot all about applying and when I did remember I thought I would have already heard. I know it is going to be an exciting day and a nice treat for all of us who have been through so much. But I am looking forward to doing it for the fundraising too - I hope we raise as much money as possible."

Since Nicole's battle with breast cancer she has qualified as a complementary therapist, working in Chi on Evesham High Street. Nicole has taken advantage of her new profession to mastermind another fundraising event. On October 27 she will donate £5 from the price of a selection of treatments to Breast Cancer Care.

But the keen fundraiser believes the charity fashion show is also there to inspire other sufferers to feel positive. She said: "I hope anyone who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer can look at the people like me who are taking part and take comfort.

"We have been through breast cancer and undergone all the treatments and come out of it looking reason able in spite of everything. I think that is quite a powerful message to send to anyone who is going through it at the moment and feeling like they are the only person in the world who has breast cancer."

Richard Wilson, from Breast Cancer Care, agreed: "This annual event offers a positive and inspiring message that anyone who has had breast cancer can look and feel glamorous after surgery.

"The event is also about the models showing their confidence and self-esteem in what promises to be a sensational show."

Show host Jerry Hall added: "The fashion show is just one of the great ways that Breast Cancer Care brings women together to talk about their experience of breast cancer. I am really pleased to be supporting such a worthwhile event."

Breast Cancer Care has been working for over 30 years to provide accurate and easy to understand information for anyone effected by the disease. More than one million people a year benefit from the charity's services, which include a website, confidential free helpline and one to one support.

For more information about events taking place during Breast Cancer Awareness Month or the charity's other services visit www.breastcance-rcare.org. To contact the helpline call 0808 8006000.