WARRINGTON great-grandmother, Christine Hyde, has entered the world of modelling – aged 71.
She recently took part in a glamourous photoshoot alongside Liberty X pop singer Michelle Heaton and four other women from around the UK – all affected by breast cancer.
The pink-themed shoot was for a special fashion fundraiser organised by celebrity designer brand Raishma and in aid of Breast Cancer Now. The pictures were taken by top international photographer Sanjay Jogia, who himself lost his mother to breast cancer.
Titled “Still Me”, the series of images will be hosted on the designer’s website where a collection of dresses are available – 10 per cent of every dress sold over the next year will go to the breast cancer awareness charity.
Christine, who lives in Great Sankey and is retired, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004. Since her diagnosis she has undergone radiotherapy and chemotherapy and is now in remission.
Back in April she graced the catwalk, wearing a dress by Raishma, at a special event for the charity. The event inspired the designer to create the fashion fundraiser and launch it with a special photo-shoot using real women as models, as well as famous face Michelle.
Michelle, 44, was diagnosed 12 years ago with the BRCA2 mutation gene, which meant she had up to an 85% chance of contracting breast cancer at an early age. She went on to have a double mastectomy and later a hysterectomy.
Christine said: “I am still pinching myself following such a magical day. I had my hair and makeup done by top professionals. Then, when they dressed me up in such a beautiful pink gown– I felt like a film star!
“I never thought that aged over 70 I would be doing a spot of modelling and certainly not beside a pop star and TV celebrity like Michelle, who made us all feel so welcome. Best of all it was for a fantastic cause – each of us has had our own experience with breast cancer and we all showed that we are still ourselves not matter what life throws at us.”
Michelle Heaton, who shared some of the images from the photoshoot on her Instagram, said: “It was such a great day and I was so very pleased to meet Christine who looked incredibly elegant and stylish.
“She is such a great role model for so many women and shows that age is no barrier to beauty or style.”
Fashion designer Raishma Islam, who has dressed royalty and celebrities including Princess Beatrice, presenter Susanna Reid, Strictly star Amy Dowden and ITV’s Amanda Holden, added: “Christine and all the ladies are an absolute inspiration. Fashion plays an important role in boosting any woman’s confidence but especially when facing health struggles.”
Check out more images of Christine modelling at the event and the charity dresses here: www.raishma.co.uk
