A FASHION show featuring current and ex-cancer patients formed part of an event showcasing the work of women at the forefront of treatment.

The Women Against Cancer lunch, at the Hilton Hotel in Liverpool, was an afternoon of fashion, fun and expert interviews organised by Clatterbridge Cancer Charity and hosted by Radio City presenter Leanne Campbell.

Liz Bishop, chief executive of Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, said: "What an inspirational day, and at the heart of it were our patients who showed strength of body and mind.

"We are raising the final £5million for our new hospital and it is wonderful that our patients here today gave their time to help us do that and have fun at the same time."

The event opened with a discussion in which experts gave an insight into their work at the specialist hospital trust that cares for more than 30,000 patients every year in Merseyside, Cheshire and surrounding areas.

The panel – featuring chief executive Liz Bishop, chemotherapy matron Sophia Bourne, chief pharmacist Helen Poulter-Clarke, chief information officer Sarah Barr and Rosie Lord, consultant oncologist and clinical director of chemotherapy - discussed the challenges and rewards of working with cancer patients.

They also highlighted the importance of the new Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in Liverpool that will open next year and were joined on stage by patient Susan Staunton who spoke of the expert care she received during treatment for breast cancer.

The talk was followed by a fashion show where all the models were current or former patients of The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

They took to the catwalk to showcase spring summer fashions from brands including Hobbs, Reiss, Ted Baker and Jigsaw, that are all on sale in John Lewis, Liverpool. The show was designed by the personal styling team at John Lewis.

The models’ make up was courtesy of Charlotte Tilbury at John Lewis and hair styling was courtesy of Dyson, John Lewis.

Katrina Bury, head of The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, said: "I would like to thank everyone who made the event possible, to all those who bought tables, tickets and raffle prizes and to John Lewis for making the fashion show possible.

"We need to raise £5million to help build Liverpool's first cancer hospital and we cannot do that without such wonderful support from our patients, their families and local businesses."

Presenter Leanne Campbell said: "Being in a room full of women who have overcome the obstacles we have heard about today with a smile on their faces is very special.

"It was an honour to meet them and host the event.

"Here's to next time!"