FASHION FOR LIFE 2011
Once again it was a fabulous night on Friday 21st October for the fourth ‘Fashion for life’ fundraiser for Isle of Man Breast Care.  A packed house at the Villa Marina saw Dot Tilbury and Geoff Corkish on top form comparing a fabulous mix of music, dance, fashion and fun. 

The clothes were as usual provided by Marks and Spencer and modelled by 20 local breast cancer survivors, most of them part of the Group, including Christopher Barr (Yes, men can get it too!).  The atmosphere was electric with the lighting and carefully chosen music creating a real spectacle and the audience cheering the models all the way.

With their jokes and banter Dot and Geoff had the audience aching with laughter, especially when Geoff came on stage in an illuminated  ‘Big Fat Gypsy Wedding’ dress and Dot hiding underneath! Slick, professional vocals and dance routines from Gary and the Vegas Girls gave the night a real Cabaret feel. Simon Fletcher and Michael Corkill performed a duet of the Cole Porter song ‘Swell Party’ during the Evening Wear clothes section and vocalist Mike Bonner led the finale

An additional surprise act brought the house down! Frank Smyth, Peter Curphey, Geoff Hampton, Richie Creer and Ian Gale performed ‘The Full Monty’ well, down to their neon pink G strings with big Breast Cancer ribbons sewn on the back! It was hilarious with most of the audience on their feet cheering!

This is always an emotional night as patients past and present show that there is life after breast cancer. Said Chairman Sharon Maddrell who organises the event said, “Fashion for Life is an inspiring night, both for those taking part and the audience. Most of the ladies, and Chris, have been through surgery and months of treatment, often very debilitating. They now want to forget cancer and live life to full, and modelling clothes from M&S in a packed Villa Marina is the biggest buzz ever, while at the same time being the most terrifying experience!  Dot, Geoff and Gary and the Girls have been with us since the first Show in 2005 and I really appreciate their support“.

The models including the two ‘Escorts’ Peter Curphey and Frank Smyth who walked the ladies to the top of the Catwalk wore over 70 outfits. “M&S were amazing” said Sharon, “they helped us all, not only to be fitted out with 3 clothes changes each but to be comfortable and happy with what we wore; a very big ‘Thank You’ goes to Chris Marsh and the girls in the Store. 

Sonia Callin gives up many long hours of her time to choreograph the whole event and pull it together on the night.  The show’s sponsors also deserve thanks, support from Shoprite, Celton Manx, The 4WD and Van Centre, Douglas Corporation Parks Dept. and Zurich International is much appreciated.  Salon 3 kept the models hair looking great and make-up was in the hands of Janet Norris and Kate Divers. Thanks as well to all the Villa Staff who helped and advised.

A ‘Celebration of Life’ raffle with fabulous prizes very kindly donated both by local businesses and individuals raised an amazing £3910!!  The group work really hard rehearsing for the Show, starting in early August, it’s now time for a rest and then start thinking about 2013!

Funds raised for Isle of Man Breast Care are used to help the Island’s breast cancer patients. If you, a friend or family member are experiencing breast cancer, don’t be alone, e-mail or call Sharon Maddrell 482662 or Paulene Lamb 420063

Finally ‘Fashion for Life’ T Shirts are still available in sizes 10 - 18 at £5.

"I just want to say a huge well done! What a fantastic night! Probably as I have had to fight Cancer myself the effect the evening had on me was unbelievable.
All the girls were just brilliant and Dot and Geoff were just brilliant entertainment. The Music and the various acts ie the Postmen were memorable.
Well done Sharon, you pulled it off again and I pledge on behalf of Wilkins Jewellers our continued support for your important cause.
Thanks so much for a top evening".  Neil

"CONGRATULATIONS and thank you very much.  The Fashion Show was absolutely brilliant last night and I hadn't enjoyed myself so much, and laughed so hard for ages!  All the ladies looked stunning and I was so moved and proud of them -  Isle of Man's Next Top Models ? I though it was a brilliant idea to have the '3/4 Monty' and I was thrilled to have won the silver Gucci necklace in the Raffle"!  Barbara