06 November 2023
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Carly Moosah, from London, looked every inch the model as she strutted her stuff on stage but behind the beaming smiles, the 41-year-old’s journey to get there has been challenging and emotional.
Carly’s mum Sharron – who once appeared on the same catwalk - died in 2009, leaving the family bereft.
Then in 2019, Carly felt a swelling in her armpit. Knowing her family history, she immediately contacted her GP and after hospital tests was given the devastating diagnosis.
For the next six months Carly - mum to nine-year-old Dylan and Sienna, aged seven - underwent intensive courses of chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy.
It took its toll physically and mentally. Sharron had turned to Breast Cancer Now for help and support - and the charity was there for Carly too.
Carly said: “I trusted them at every stage and knew I didn’t need to be scared. They helped me understand what was happening and how to cope.”
Thankfully Carly was finally given the news that her treatment had been a success.
Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have so far raised more than £9million to support Breast Cancer Now – helping them fund lifechanging work for people affected by breast cancer.
The charity hosts an annual fashion event - The Show by Breast Cancer Now - which features models living with or beyond breast cancer. Sharron took part in 2009 and this year Carly followed in her mum’s footsteps, representing People’s Postcode Lottery.
Carly said: “It felt so special to be a model for People’s Postcode Lottery. The funding raised by players has made such a big difference to so many charities and especially Breast Cancer Now.
“When my mum took part she was so unwell but it was incredible for us as a family to see her up there. She was in her element. Sadly, she died from secondary breast cancer just two months later. That was the last time a lot of our family and her friends got to see her.
“The Show has always been a special event for me and since having my own diagnosis and coming through the other side, I was so happy to be involved and channel my mum’s energy when I walked out myself.
“The atmosphere was unbelievable. The men and women on the catwalk have such incredible strength and we were all cheering each other on - it was amazing.”
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to have Carly represent our players in The Show and to learn more about her cancer journey and the incredible support she was given along the way. Breast Cancer Now is there for everyone touched by the disease.”
Rachael Franklin, director of fundraising, communications and engagement at Breast Cancer Now, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Carly for sharing her experience, supporting our relationship with People’s Postcode Lottery and for being a wonderful model in The Show by Breast Cancer Now in 2023.
“Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised an incredible £9,032,265 for Breast Cancer Now since 2018. This phenomenal funding is helping us to ensure we’re here for thousands of people facing breast cancer, no matter what challenges their diagnosis may bring.
“Every 10 minutes, someone in the UK hears the words ‘You have breast cancer’. The money raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery helps makes sure we can provide support for today and hope for the future for anyone affected by the disease.”