Always on
This project successfully funded on 9th June 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
Keeping Abreast - 'More Than Just Fashion' Shows
Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom
Aim
To help women rebuild confidence after breast cancer and inspire others through a powerful community catwalk.
Our Story
Keeping Abreast exists to transform uncertainty into confidence.
A breast cancer diagnosis brings more than treatment — for many, it opens the door to a complex and often overwhelming world of reconstruction decisions. At a time when emotional and physical reserves are already stretched, patients are faced with life-changing choices, unfamiliar language, and a future that can feel uncertain and isolating.
That’s where we come in.
Through honest shared experiences, compassionate guidance, and tailored support, Keeping Abreast creates a space where clarity replaces confusion and confidence can begin to grow again. Our work is grounded in real stories from real people — empowering every patient to make the decision that is right for them.
In 2025 alone, with the dedication of over 200 volunteers — more than 95% of whom have personal experience of breast reconstruction — we delivered 80 face-to-face meetings, supporting around 800 attendances across the UK, from Norwich to Plymouth, Leicester to Cheltenham and beyond.
Sometimes it’s one conversation that changes everything. More often, it’s a network — a community of people who truly understand. Every connection we make brings us closer to a future where no one faces breast cancer reconstruction alone.
Why We Need Your Support
Keeping Abreast receives no statutory funding. We rely entirely on fundraising events and community support to continue our work. At a time when demand for our services is growing — particularly following increased awareness after our 2024 presentation at the Breast Cancer Now conference — rising costs are placing real pressure on our ability to deliver support.
Your support will help ensure we can continue to provide life-changing guidance, connection and reassurance to those who need it most.
About the Event: More Than Just Fashion
Our ‘More Than Just Fashion’ Show is one of the most powerful awareness and confidence-building events in the region.
Every two years, 24–30 women who are facing or have undergone breast cancer reconstruction step onto the catwalk. For many, this is a deeply transformative moment — a chance to reclaim confidence, celebrate their strength, and reconnect with who they are.
As one participant shared:
“I didn't know who I was anymore, so I wanted to get back on the catwalk today and say this is me.”
Another said:
“It means that I can show other women that they can be beautiful again after breast cancer.”
And for many, it’s about something even bigger:
“It’s about celebrating myself… having the opportunity to get out there and go ‘I’m still here, I’m still alive and I feel fantastic!’”
This milestone 10th show will be delivered by our small but dedicated team of four part-time staff, working alongside our incredible network of volunteers and the expert event producers at Production Bureau. Together, we combine lived experience, community passion and professional production expertise to create a truly high-quality and impactful event.
More Than a Show
This is not just a fashion show.
It is a powerful, emotional celebration of resilience, identity and community. It creates lifelong connections between women who share similar experiences, while inspiring audiences and raising vital awareness of breast reconstruction and recovery.
How We’ll Use the Funding
The money raised will directly support:
- The delivery of our 10th ‘More Than Just Fashion’ Show
- Providing a safe, empowering experience for all participants
- Raising awareness of breast reconstruction options
- Sustaining our year-round support services for patients across the UK
Every pound raised helps us reach more people, offer more support, and ensure that no one has to face breast cancer reconstruction in isolation, uncertainty or fear.
Together, we can turn uncertainty into confidence — and create something truly life-changing.
Norfolk Community Fund has provided £1,800 of match funding
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made