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. 154 “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.