A dedicated charity worker who has helped people affected by cancer for over 30 years was invited to take part in a catwalk event.

Mary Finn from Rayners Lane took part in the British Fashion House's Jacques Vert VIP Coatwalk event on Saturday last week (October 4).

The 54 year-old is the manager of the Macmillan Information and Support Service at Northwick Park Hospital in Watford Road, Harrow and was invited to take part, in recognition of her invaluable work in helping people affected by cancer.

Mary was one of 10 ‘Macmillan Models’ who rocked the runway alongside celebrity supporters such as Emilia Fox, Jo Wood and Alex Jones.

Mary who is married to Tom, 53, and has a teenage son, Killian,16, manages a free service that offers a listening ear to cancer patients, their families and friends; providing up-to-date, high quality information about cancer diagnosis, treatment and the effects of specific cancers from Northwick Park Hospital.

She has worked in cancer care for over 30 years, she said: “I was initially really nervous about taking part in the catwalk show, but the day turned out to be such a special occasion, filled with so much fun, laughter and more than a few tears.

"It was very moving to receive a standing ovation from the audience and I was so inspired to share this wonderful experience with my fellow Macmillan models; some of who have been cancer patients. There wasn’t a dry eye on the catwalk.”

In its second year, the annual coatwalk event supports Macmillan Cancer Support with an array of celebrity guests, Macmillan professionals and people affected by cancer who have been helped by Macmillan.

Corporate partnership manager at Macmillan, Leyla Onal said: “The Coatwalk tickets cost £27, that’s enough to fund a Macmillan nurse for one whole hour and will make a real difference for people affected by cancer.

"In London more than 500 people a week are diagnosed with cancer. It’s our aim to make sure no one faces cancer alone but we can’t do this without the support of the amazing people who fundraise for us.

"We’d like to say a huge thank you to Jacques Vert Group for choosing Macmillan as their charity partner and for organising this event.”