Meet the Models
Valli of the Dolls
Julie Wray - Catwalk Captain
“I have never been a captain of anything, so when Margo Cornish invited me to be a catwalk captain of the MOTR21 fundraiser, I jumped at the opportunity.
As a MOTR18 model I know only too well how much this unique and wonderful experience can boost your confidence and lift your spirits, during cancer treatments and throughout their lingering side effects.
Taking part in MOTR can boost self-esteem beyond belief!
The models we are supporting are tremendous. Their strength through adversity is awe-inspiring. They are fearless and funny. I love being part of their journey and rehearsals are great fun and hilarious.
In just a matter of weeks our gang unite to entertain with their catwalk routine and commitment to helping Maggie’s Charity raise essential funds.”
Julie Al-Zubi
“Becoming a catwalk queen wasn’t on my to-do list but neither was getting Cancer!
Maggie’s has been a lifeline since my diagnosis and I’m so glad I was persuaded to step out of my comfort zone and onto their runway.
I’ve had the warmest welcome and been made to feel part of a loving, close knit and fun family.
Everyone has been so kind, supportive and patient despite my dancing dyslexia!
I feel honoured and privileged to be a part of MOTR 21.”
Louise Hines
“I'm not feeling very lovely at the moment but doing MOTR 21 has been a challenge, a delight, an inspiration and a once in a lifetime experience.
As models, we are being nurtured, thoroughly spoilt and look after each other.
I can’t wait for my family and friends to see this amazing production and finally find out what I’ve been up to all these weeks.”
Nigel Allsopp
“Being part of Maggie’s on the Runway has allowed me to meet people in the same situation as me and has helped me to accept my diagnosis.
I have made some amazing friends and taking part in the catwalk has taken me so far out of my comfort zone and made me very happy.”
Sally Hall
“A diagnosis of incurable cancer from out of the blue, changed my life in a nanosecond. Everything turned upside down and inside out.
With support from Maggie’s I’ve been able to get back on a more even keel.
Taking part in MOTR 21 to help raise funds is a massive challenge but it is an honour and an opportunity to give something back.”
Angela Smith
“I didn’t know what to expect when I said yes to being part of MOTR 2021. What an honour and amazing experience it’s been. Walking down the catwalk with the most incredible and inspirational people. We have strutted, danced and sang our way to MOTR, but most of all we have laughed and built special friendships. Thank you Maggie’s for this opportunity, to help raise funds and awareness for this wonderful charity xxx”
Karen Illston
“Those who know me will appreciate how far out of my comfort zone this is.
The wonderful models and crew at MOTR have helped me to feel so comfortable and I'm feeling much more confident.
MOTR has definitely given me my sass back and I can't thank you enough. What an amazing experience and I feel blessed to be part of it.”
Julie Collville
“During these last six years of diagnosis, treatment and now, thankfully, remission from a very aggressive lung cancer, Maggie’s gave me a place of peace and calm when times we’re overwhelmingly terrifying with hope thin on the ground. It still does. Maggie’s is so much more than a ‘charity’, it’s far greater than the sum of its parts. It’s founder, Maggie Jencks summed it up perfectly for me - ‘Above all what matters is not to lose the joy of living in the fear of dying.’ You never know when you, your family or friends might need a Maggie’s. I’ll do anything I can to give something back to support this wonderful charity and MOTR 2021 is a great opportunity to do just that!”
Christine Thorpe
“I walked through the doors at Maggie’s in November 2019, to the words ‘would you like a cup of tea’ As I dissolved into tears ‘Maggie’s put her arms around me’ and has been there for me ever since. My reason for taking part in MOTR 2021 is to thank the wonderful team at Maggie’s and to say to my family ‘I love you all so much.”
Gwen Brown
“After the physical side of cancer had been fixed I struggled with the emotional side. Being a Maggie's model, so out of my comfort zone, has rebuilt my confidence.
Family and friends can now see the old me coming back to life and can't wait to see me strut my stuff x”
Pam Anthony
“Over the years I lost both my beloved dad and more recently my partner to an aggressive form of cancer of the œsophagus. Whilst medical treatment was dispensed there was never any discussion or consideration with either patient or their families about what emotional support they may need during that rollercoaster of a journey.
There was never a Maggie’s!
Having learned last year about Maggie’s Centre in Manchester and the amazing support it provides, the only disappointment is that it has to rely on public donations to keep the doors open.
So that is why I chose to ‘strut my stuff’ on this years Catwalk (totally outside my comfort zone!) because every penny raised through this fundraising activity will ensure that Maggie’s and their phenomenal team can be there for other families when the need arises.”
Ray Johnson
“I plucked up the courage to join the runway models this year taking me out of my comfort zone and pushing myself but most of all meeting people in similar circumstances throughout their journeys.”
Marian Waterhouse - Crew
“I am so excited and honoured to have been invited to be part of MOTR 2021.
It’s been a huge privilege to have had the opportunity of meeting so many strong inspirational models and then going on to guide them on their MOTR journey.
From my own experience as a 2018 MOTR model, I know that this year’s models will have the most amazing time, make lifelong friends along the way and raise a huge amount of vital funds for our wonderful Maggie’s Centre.”
