A MARRIED couple who battled cancer together and a long time charity volunteer who was diagnosed three times have told their stories in hope of raising awareness for cancer research in the region.
Yorkshire Cancer Research hosted the event on Wednesday (November 4) at its new superstore in York, with 15 people from across the region taking to the catwalk in outfits sourced from the charity’s shops.
Each model represented the statistic that someone in Yorkshire is diagnosed with cancer every 15 minutes.
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Among those taking part were Darren Pattie, a 60-year-old retired software company director, and Sarah Pattie, a 65-year-old retired artist, from Poppleton.
The pair - who have been married for 30 years - have spent the last decade facing their own cancer journeys together after Sarah was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumours in 2015, and in 2022, Darren was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma.
Darren said: "There have been a lot of ups and downs, and through both our cancer diagnoses, I've gained a deep knowledge of the capabilities of different hospitals in Yorkshire.
"There are serious imbalances in access to cancer treatment across our region. As a family, we’ve certainly seen that postcode lottery. We’re fortunate to be able to afford transport and flexibility with our daily lives, but not everyone is."
Due to the nature of their cancers, the pair have both required specialist treatment that's taken them far from home as Darren was referred to St James's University Hospital for a more specialised type of chemotherapy.
Sarah also regularly has to travel over 80 miles to receive the treatment she needs in Manchester, with the pair using their experiences to help Yorkshire Cancer Research better understand the issues faced by those impacted by cancer.
Another model in the show was Jacquie MacLeod, 62 from Harrogate, a volunteer for Yorkshire Cancer Research who has herself been diagnosed with cancer three times.
Jacquie said: "I was first told I had breast cancer 15 years ago, and after recovering from surgery, I was then diagnosed with leukaemia and had a stem cell transplant four years later.
"All the treatment I received had been a result of research, so for me, it’s so important we continue to raise funds for more life-saving treatments."
In July 2025, she was diagnosed with cancer again and was referred to Active Together, a cancer exercise service funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research.
Jacquie said: "I felt a very small lump on the surface of my breast, so I went get it checked.
"I was so shocked and upset receiving the news it was breast cancer. I remember thinking, how is this possible? But since starting with Active Together, I feel like I'm not alone.
"The team have been so friendly and understanding during a really difficult time. Both before and after my radiotherapy treatment, their support has given me the confidence and hope to keep going."
She now volunteers at the charity’s centre in Hornbeam Park, where she also receives exercise support.
She said: "I feel privileged to be a volunteer and give back to the fabulous service that is still supporting me, even after treatment.
"It makes me feel like we're part of one big family, with everyone having the same goal.
"It was an honour to be asked to be a part of the Yorkshire Cancer Research fashion show, recognising everyone who has given their stock, money and time to fund the charity’s vital work.”
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