insideKENT Magazine Issue 43 - October 2015 | Page 154
CHARITY
FROM CURLING TO CATWALKS, A KENT WOMAN IS SET FOR
A STARRING ROLE WITH BREAST CANCER CARE
A Kent woman is swapping the ice
rink for the runway as she is
confirmed as one of the models for
this year’s Breast Cancer Care
fashion Show. Jo Ostermeyer, from
Maidstone, will be taking to the
catwalk on Wednesday 7th October
at Grosvenor House Hotel in
London.
As well as modelling, the 41 year
old is a keen curler. Jo tried the
sport in 2008, just before receiving
her breast cancer diagnosis, and
really enjoyed it. After a
mastectomy, chemotherapy and
radiotherapy in 2009, Jo went into
remission and quickly returned to
the sport.
She says her diagnosis changed
her attitude to life: “When you are
told that you have cancer, your
world is turned upside down and
you ultimately fear the worst. After
the initial shock, I decided to take
back control from cancer and have
been very open about my
experience. I have organised a
number of black tie charity dinners
for breast cancer charities and have
recently become a volunteer
speaker for Breast Cancer Care. I
love live music, and in the last few
years I have been to an average of
20 gigs each year from Kylie to the
Red Hot Chilli Peppers with several
visits to see Stereophonics and a
throw back to my Brosette days. I
have also travelled to Las Vegas
several times and seen Matt Goss.”
As well as heading to gigs around
the world, Jo has played in curling
friendly competitions in places like
Scotland, France, Italy, Canada and
Las Vegas! Jo says everyone has
shown her a lot of kindness: “The
world of curling is a large, global
family. As soon as my diagnosis
was announced I received
incredible support from all over the
world. At a completion this year in
Cortina D’Ampezzo, Italy, a
collection of ¤1,000 was
undertaken for Breast Cancer Care
and presented to me, which was
unexpected and amazing.”
Jo is one of 32 inspiring men and
women who have received a breast
cancer diagnosis and will model at
this emotional and uplifting show.
Jo is excited to be taking part
“I cannot wait to strut my stuff
down the catwalk for Breast Cancer
Care; I am privileged to have met
such wonderful people in the other
models and we will be life-long
friends. I think it is going to be very
emotional for all of us, as it will
show just how far we have all
come. It will send a message of
positivity to those also undergoing
the same diagnosis as well as
raising funds to support others
through such a terrifying and
difficult time in life.”
Jo Ostermeyer
Jo will be wearing a wide variety
of stunning outfits by designers
like Butler & Wilson and Jeff Banks
to high street stores like House of
Fraser and Dorothy Perkins. The
models will be styled by fashion correspondent Hilary Alexander and London
Fashion Week co-ordinator Lesley Goring; hair will be styled by Sassoon
Salons and make-up is by Estée Lauder.
The celeb-filled event is now in its 19th year. It launches October’s Breast
Cancer Awareness Month.
Samia al Qadhi, chief executive at Breast Cancer Care, said: “We are so
excited to see our inspiring models take to the catwalk in front of their
friends and families. Their courage and hard work is an inspiration that not
only makes the show a really special event but also helps Breast Cancer
Care raise vital funds to ensure we help others face the brutal effects of a
breast cancer diagnosis.”
Book a ticket NOW to support Jo (tickets range from £75-£195) on 0345
092 0806 or email [email protected].
If you are unable to attend but would still like to show your support
for Jo, please visit her JustGiving page to donate at
www.justgiving.com/Jo-Ostermeyer.
HUNDREDS ENJOY FIRST CHARITY SLIP ‘N’ SLIDE EVENT
Hundreds of people joined in with a charity
fundraiser, which took place at Mote Park this
summer.
There was also a disco, Café Continental to
provide refreshments, and a photobooth for
people to create more fun memories.
Demelza Hospice Care for Children held its first
Slip ‘n’ Slide fundraiser at the venue in Maidstone
on Saturday 15th August.
It’s already raised more than £2,000 for Demelza
and it is hoped the overall total will reach £2,500.
There were 300 people who took part in the
event, which involved slipping down a 50m water
slide on various inflatables.
Demelza’s events coordinator, Emma Austen,
said: “This was the first time we have held a Slip
‘n’ Slide event and it was so much fun. Everyone
enjoyed it and it was a lovely, different way to
raise money.
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“The funds which it has raised will make a real
difference to our children and families. I’d like to
thank everyone who took part and helped make
it such a success.”
Find out more about Demelza at
www.demelza.org.uk and follow the charity on
Facebook and Twitter at @demelzahospice.