Jane Gosling’s mother, Freda, died from breast cancer on the same day Jane gave birth to her daughter, Mary
Jane Gosling took to the catwalk in the fashion show(Image: Yorkshire Cancer Research)
A grandmother and cancer survivor from Brough turned into a supermodel for a day in the name of raising money for a charity close to her heart after three generations in her family were affected by the disease.
Jane Gosling’s mother, Freda, died from breast cancer on the same day Jane gave birth to her daughter, Mary. Years later, the disease would affect the family once again when Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 41. Jane, who herself was diagnosed with breast cancer after a mammogram, took part in the Yorkshire Cancer Research fashion show in tribute to her loved ones.
Jane said: “My mum dying was one of the worst days of my life. I was experiencing the joy of becoming a mother while grieving the loss of my own. But then watching your child go through cancer is something no parent ever expects. All you want to do is take it away from them, but you can’t.”
Thankfully, following chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy, Mary has now been cancer-free for five years, and has become a passionate advocate for breast screening and early diagnosis. It was Mary’s encouragement that led Jane to attend her own mammogram, and following further tests, found her breast cancer early.
Jane said: “Many people don’t realise that once you turn 71, you’re no longer routinely invited for breast screening, but you can still request an appointment. That’s how my cancer was found. As it was caught early, I was able to receive a very small, successful surgery and move forward with my life.”
Yorkshire Cancer Research has held its first supporter fashion show at the charity’s new superstore in York, shining a spotlight on the experiences of people affected by cancer and their families in Yorkshire.
Marking the launch of the charity’s Christmas campaign across its network of 18 shops, the fashion show brought together 15 people from across the region to model outfits sourced entirely from Yorkshire Cancer Research shops. Each person who took part represented the fact that every 15 minutes, someone in Yorkshire is told they have cancer.
Through a series of themed catwalks and speeches, the event celebrated the stock donors, volunteers and supporters whose generosity helps fund research breakthroughs in Yorkshire. Thanks to them, more than four million items have been sold across the charity’s shops since the beginning of 2026, transforming second-hand treasures into vital funding for pioneering research and innovative cancer services. The fashion show also showcased the pre-loved fashion available in Yorkshire Cancer Research shops.
At the heart of the Yorkshire Cancer Research fashion show were people affected by cancer whose experiences are central to the charity’s mission to find new and better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer. Those who took part included people rebuilding confidence after a cancer diagnosis, others receiving treatment, families celebrating milestones together and individuals remembering loved ones.
And it is not the first event Jane has taken part in in order to raise cash for the charity. She boogied in a two-hour danceathon, raising more than £750. Jane’s latest venture in the Yorkshire Cancer Research fashion show is a way to commemorate the people who helped to save her life.
Jane said: “I credit both my daughter – for giving me that push to attend my mammogram – and my mum. I inherited her determination to get on with life, no matter what challenges come your way. Without both of their influences, I often think about how different things could have been. Taking part in the fashion show was a wonderful way to celebrate them both.
“For our family now, life is all about making memories together. I’ve been on a zip wire, attempted surfing in Sri Lanka and even camped overnight in the desert. Keep dancing, keep singing, keep doing whatever brings you joy. None of us knows what’s around the corner, so it’s important to make the most of every day.”
The Yorkshire Cancer Research fashion show was hosted by former ITV presenter Christine Talbot, who was diagnosed and treated for a fast-growing type of breast cancer.
Christine said: “When I was told I had cancer in 2012, I was live on TV every night and very much in the public eye. The support I received from colleagues and the public was overwhelming. Cancer is not something you would ever wish on anyone, but it showed me a whole new level of kindness I didn’t know existed.
“When I was asked to host the Yorkshire Cancer Research fashion show, I was delighted. At this time of year, family and community take on even greater importance, and events like this are a wonderful reminder of the strength and generosity of people across Yorkshire. I’m proud to support a charity that is helping bring life-saving breakthroughs to Yorkshire and changing what a cancer diagnosis means for people across the region.”
Every outfit featured on the catwalk was curated by long-standing Yorkshire-coast based businesswoman and supporter Tina Boden and image consultant Jackie Crawford, from York.
Tony Graham, director of retail at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said The Yorkshire Cancer Research fashion show is “a wonderful opportunity to showcase the incredible quality and variety of items available in the charity’s shops”. He said it is thanks to the supporters, donors and volunteers that the charity is bringing new cancer cures to Yorkshire.
Shop with Yorkshire Cancer Research this Christmas and help keep families together: www.yorkshirecancerresearch.org.uk
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