What a truly special night! Our community came together to celebrate our incredible models, all of whom have been affected by breast cancer.
The evening was filled with joy, fun, and love while helping raise funds for those affected by breast cancer. The dedicated teams at John Lewis Norwich styled our models and the amazingly talented team from Smoke and Wildwood transformed the venue into a stunning carnival catwalk.
Thanks to the kindness and generosity of our 300 guests, the sell-out event raised more than £5,500 to help provide Little Lifts Boxes to people affected by breast cancer across the UK.
This year, 21 inspiring models shared their unique experiences with breast cancer on the runway. Each one exhibited strength, beauty, and individuality, embodying the true spirit of resilience.
Our models enjoyed pampering sessions, with their makeup, skincare, and hair taken care of by John Lewis Beauty and GHD Norwich, as well as Bea Coloured, Courage Noble and Grow Barbershop.
These lovely, thoughtful touches ensured our models felt like VIPs all day. We love being able to give back to our breast cancer community, and the John Lewis Team ensured everyone was pampered and relaxed.
As always, the John Lewis teams were exceptional!
With help from the VM team at John Lewis, Smoke and Wildwood transformed the space into an incredible party venue, with disco balls aplenty, ready to welcome our guests. It was a squeeze for all 300 guests, but somehow they made it happen!
It was great to see so many people arriving, and as it got closer to show time, the atmosphere was electric!
After an afternoon of preparation and pampering, it was finally time for the main event.
Models showcased two gorgeous looks in four sets. This year’s runway was so energetic and full of smiles, as our models took to the catwalk, accompanied by absolutely fantastic live music from Shake It!
We love getting to watch each model have their own special moment as they take to the catwalk. Special thanks to Claire and Marian for sharing their inspiring breast cancer stories during the show. It was such a special moment, and we thank them for their courage – the feeling of love in the room was overwhelming.
Jo – “I’m an energetic person who loves adventures. I like to combine my love of travelling with my passion for running. I try to make sure my marathons are in new cities all over the world. Since being diagnosed with breast cancer and going through the treatment process, I feel that I’d like to tell people it’s not all doom and gloom and with everything that’s happened, I feel I’ve come through it feeling more in touch with myself, more empowered and ready to get out there and embrace life. This experience looks like great fun. What a way to celebrate being 50 and cancer free!”
Angie – “I was overwhelmed when I received my first Box and felt such a deep appreciation for the thought which had gone into putting the box together. I
have since tried to support Little Lifts but working full time means I am not always available. The values which are clearly evident in all who come into contact with the Little Lifts Team are amazing, demonstrating such compassion and kindness, which is rare these days, and so important when you receive the news that you have cancer. You are all fabulous.”
Steve – “I am supporting both my wife who is currently going through breast cancer treatment and to support such an amazing team as Little Lifts. About me: retired RAF Medic now working in General Practice, Northerner with a love of football and being there for Angie, we’ve known each other since our teenage years.”
Nadine – “After my secondary breast cancer diagnosis in 2023, Little Lifts brought me joy when I needed it most. From their thoughtful gift Boxes to the amazing people I met on a Retreat, they helped me navigate life as a young mum living with cancer. I’m walking the runway today to prove that confidence can be rebuilt. We may lose parts of ourselves—a boob in my case—but with enough love and support, we can still stand tall and feel like ourselves again.”
Donna – “I have been part of Little Lifts from the very beginning — as a recipient, volunteer, advocate, and member of the Little Seeds Team. I am proud to be one of the “originals,” and Little Lifts has played a meaningful role in my rebuilding journey since 2018. I have been asked to take part in the Fashion Show to help strengthen and enhance that continued rebuilding after my husband’s cancer diagnosis, which feels incredibly special.”
Marian – “I’m a Theatre Nurse Manager and a mum of 2 energetic boys. I’ve always enjoyed being fit and active especially since I was diagnosed. Cancer treatment has been a brutal, eye-opening teacher. It can relentlessly strip away so much: appetite, hair, health, sleep, energy, body image, career, relationships, friendships, even the possibility of more children. It warps your perception of time, of life itself.
But there are two things it absolutely cannot and will not take from me: my
character and my identity as a mother. This is my story, unfolding and I don’t want to live through it alone. I look forward to the adventures on this new, unexpected path with others. And if by participating in the show and sharing about my journey might empower even one woman going through this, to know that despite how impossible it feels, we are truly amazing in our strength and resilience to keep moving forward, then my purpose is served.”
Tom – “My friend Laura, who has secondary breast cancer, introduced me
to Little Lifts and the incredible work they do to support those going through treatment. It’s a cause that really resonates with me, as my sister also suffered with primary breast cancer and I’m honoured to play a small part in raising awareness.”
Julie – “I was diagnosed with stage 2 multi-focal lobular & ductal (NST) ER+ PR+ breast cancers in November 2025, and underwent a double reduction mammoplasty, lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy in January 2026, after 2 months of endocrine therapy. I “celebrated” my 48th birthday over the Christmas period, not really knowing what kind of future lay ahead, what I would soon look like physically, and definitely NOT loving the chemical menopause I’d been gifted! I heard about Little Lifts from a support group on Facebook and was immediately struck by how kind this gesture is, and especially at such a rubbish time. At work, we run a women’s ERG (Employee Resource Group) so I spoke with one of my colleagues about how we could possibly help Little Lifts. Fast forward a few weeks and this fabulous opportunity was shared with me. So, whilst Tamoxifen is the gift that keeps on giving, and radiotherapy starts immediately after Easter, I’m keen to do something fun to raise funds for, and awareness of, this wonderful charity.”
Aaron – “I am here to support a great charity that is doing amazing things .” Aaron from Smoke & Wildwood supports our annual Ball and helped to transform the space at John Lewis.
JoJo – “I was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2023. I chose not to tell many people at first, wanting to understand everything myself before sharing the news with my sons. I had surgery on 20th December and, as Christmas approached, I didn’t feel able to share my diagnosis more widely during what should have been a joyful time.
When my Little Lifts Box arrived, it felt incredibly special. It came at a moment when I truly needed a little love and support — a hug through the post. Modelling in the Little Lifts Fashion Show is completely out of my comfort zone, but I’m so proud to take part and support the charity that supported me when I needed it most.”
Jess – “I think receiving the Little Lifts Box at a very stressful time was one of the
kindest things – it gave me a glimmer of joy. Since having cancer I have tried to push myself out of my comfort zone and this is definitely a big push out of my comfort zone and one that I hope to enjoy thoroughly!”
Kirsty – “In October 2024, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The day of my diagnosis, I remember seeing all these Boxes in a room and wondering what they were. A week later, at my oncology meeting, I was given my first Little Lifts Box. A Box filled with lots of carefully thought-out items to help me through my chemo journey. It was like a hug in a Box, saying you’re not alone. I loved them so much I wanted to collect the set and went on to receive a Surgery and Radiotherapy Box. After my introduction to this amazing charity I knew I wanted to get more involved. Last year, my brother raised over £2000 for the Little Lifts Trail Run and so this year is my turn to get involved.
I want to do the Fashion Show to help boost my confidence, which cancer has taken away and to help inspire others who are probably in the middle of
their journey. I was in the audience last year and remember being inspired
by all the models but especially a couple of younger survivors showing off their chemo curls and amazing wigs walking with confidence and so if I can repay that hope that they gave me it will all be worth stepping out my
comfort zone.
I’m just starting my volunteering journey with Little Lifts and so grateful to all the team welcoming me like part of this massive family. Finding positives
through treatment is really hard but I can honestly say that receiving my Boxes and finding a charity like Little Lifts has been one and I’m so excited to see what’s in store in the future for such an unstoppable charity.”
Claire – “I live in Norwich with my husband and our two teenagers. We have a dog and a cat, too. I have been bowled over by the support of family and friends during my experience with breast cancer. My primary diagnosis came in 2014, when Little Lifts wasn’t a thing. My secondary diagnosis came in November 2023, and it was then that I received my Box. I was also lucky enough to be part of the very first Little Lifts Retreat in November 2024. It was during a conversation with Oa at the Retreat that we talked about doing things which are out of our comfort zones. That’s why I’m here!”
Rae – “In 2011, I was treated for breast cancer at the N&N, where I received exceptional care from the surgeons, oncologists, nurses, and wider team. Their kindness and expertise supported me through surgery, treatment, and reconstruction, and I remain deeply grateful for everything they did for me. I’m taking part in the charity Fashion Show to give something back and to support the important work of Little Lifts and charities like them. I work as an office manager at a mortgage brokers partnering with Little Lifts this year, and I’m helping to raise funds by organising our annual golf day. Modelling in the show is my small way of saying thank you and helping others going through breast cancer feel supported and uplifted.”
Dave – “My wife was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer at the age of 36 and with our two children aged 5 and 2. She is now 15 years clear having gone
through chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a double mastectomy in that order. We wanted to raise funds to recoup the cost of her treatment and have done a number of activities over the years. I wrote a blog that told our story through the first year of diagnosis and her treatment, called “The Last Chocolate Brownie”, and this was subsequently released as a book with all funds going to help our local hospital and breast cancer charities. We have also held three “Last Chocolate Brownie” Balls and I’m taking part in this event as I recognise how important the Little Lifts charity is and the work that they do to help people through one of the most challenging life experiences.”
Saba – “I’m a breast cancer survivor and a proud recipient of a Little Lifts Box during my chemotherapy treatment. At a time when life felt overwhelming, receiving my Box was genuinely uplifting and made me feel seen, supported and cared for when I needed it most.
I am modelling for the Little Lifts Fashion Show to give something back to a charity that made such a meaningful difference to me during my cancer journey. I now support Little Lifts through a monthly donation and it is an honour to represent a charity that brings comfort, dignity and hope to people going through treatment. Being part of a Fashion Show feels incredibly empowering. Although I am changed by my treatment, I can still feel strong, confident and feminine, and I hope my presence helps reflect that strength for others going through a similar journey.”
Sonya – “I’m a mum to three boys and have a wonderful husband, Mark. I was diagnosed with stage 4 secondary breast cancer in December 2020 at the age of 47. Now, at 53, I’m stable and doing well. I was absolutely delighted to be invited to take part in the Fashion Show.
Little Lifts is an incredible charity that supports you at a time when you feel
most vulnerable. I was fortunate to receive a Little Lifts Box at the hospital
when my treatment began it’s filled with thoughtful items that make such a difference in those early days. Last year, I was also lucky enough to attend the second Little Lifts Retreat. I had a truly wonderful time and met some amazing women, all living with secondary cancer. I can’t thank Little Lifts enough, they really are extraordinary.”
Graham – “A catwalk will be challenging and a little scary but this Fashion Show is a fun way of dealing with a serious message. Cancer affected both my father and brother. I also want to support my daughter Laura, who is stage 4 and an Ambassador for the charity; and my daughter Hannah who works for Little Lifts.”
Emma – “I’m Emma, I was diagnosed two days before myself and my amazing husband Adam was due to get married. It didn’t change our day, if anything made the day full with even more love, which we didn’t know was possible.
We have a beautiful daughter Harper who was so brave and took the whole journey in her stride. I received my Little Lifts Box and the joy and comfort it gave me through the easier and harder times of my journey. Our daughter
saw the joy they can bring and has set up a little business to help raise money for Little Lifts to make sure others can have the same feeling through a time of uncertainty, the not knowing and the highs and lows of the journey ahead.”
Leon – “As a Volunteer for Little Lifts, I am delighted to be involved in the Fashion Show, supporting this lovely charity which gave comfort and reassurance to my wife Trish during her treatment, and still includes us both.“
Glenn – “I work for Yare Valley Oils who have products in the Little Lift Boxes, my mam recently received a Little Lifts Box and treatment and… Oa made me.”
Our charity simply could not do what we do without the belief, support and enthusiasm of our Little Lifts Community. Our Fashion Show with the John Lewis team is a wonderful celebration of our charitable work and community, as well as a platform to raise awareness.
This event celebrates the many different experiences of breast cancer. From people currently undergoing treatment to loved ones offering support, each model brought their own unique story to the runway, reminding us that no two journeys are the same.
Among these are individuals who have been part of our community for a long time, as well as those who have joined more recently. We are honoured to have each and every one of them join us for this special event.
A BIG thank you to you all!
We are so grateful for the wonderful support from John Lewis Norwich. Working alongside the John Lewis Norwich team is always a privilege. Thank you to each of you for your kindness, dedication and generosity of spirit. Not only do they support, empower, and champion our models, but they also help us raise vital funds to support more people affected by breast cancer.
Here’s to you Mark, Jack, Chloe, Laura, Lydia, Laura, Andrea, the beauty teams, the VM team, and many more who contributed to this event!
We would also like to say a big thank you to:
James Rouse – thank you for always capturing our models so beautifully with your amazing photography.
Special thanks to Shake It! for their fabulous performance before, and throughout the show.
Steve’s PA Hire for providing excellent sound and expertise.
Bea, Courage Noble, GHD Norwich, Grow Barbershop and the John Lewis Beauty Team for hair, skincare, makeup, and generally pampering our models.
Spacemasks and John Lewis for our guests’ goodie bags.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you goes out to our wonderful guests for empowering our models with cheers, applause, and smiles as they graced the catwalk. Your support through ticket and raffle sales enables us to provide more Little Lifts gift Boxes, offering crucial support to those affected by breast cancer.
All funds raised helps us provide Little Lifts Boxes filled with carefully chosen gifts and practical support for people facing breast cancer treatment. The £5,500 raised from this event will help us reach even more people across the UK when they need support most.
If you’d like to join us in our mission to support every person in the UK undergoing treatment for breast cancer, visit our Get Involved page and make a difference. There are so many ways to become part of our special breast cancer community.
15/06/26