CANCER charities throughout the region have joined forces to promote their plans to stage an inspirational fashion show.

Unusually, the fashion show will feature past or present cancer patients - a very public demonstration of their determination to fight the feared disease.

Ten charities including St Teresa's Hospice in Darlington, the Butterwick Hospice, Stockton, and the Hartlepool Hospice Fund, are involved in staging the Celebration of Life After Cancer fashion show.

The show will take place in the Alexander Suite at the Talls Tree Hotel, near Yarm, Teesside, in November - but funds are needed to stage the lavish event.

A series of fundraising events is planned between now and the autumn to collect money, but additional help is needed.

Last year's fashion show raised more than £36,000 for local cancer charities and it is hoped this year's event can realise £50,000, and raise awareness of the disease in the community.

Apart from patients, the event was also attended by a large number of cancer specialists from all over the region.

T-shirts have been designed to promote the fashion show which aims to show there is hope for cancer sufferers.

Mary Lee, from Yarm, a breast cancer survivor who founded the Celebration of Life After Cancer charity, and organised last year's event, said: "Last year's show was a fantastic affirmation of life after cancer, and raised money for local cancer charities. I am hoping that this year's show will be even bigger and better."

Recently the Somerfield chain of supermarkets announced that staff in all 15 of its North-East and North Yorkshire stores will raise money to support the Tall Trees event.

l If you want to help or raise money ring Mary Lee on (01642) 712555.