Louth woman goes from chemo to the catwalk

Toni Moss, 54, is celebrating the end of her chemotherapy for bowel cancer by modelling alongside her proud daughter Harriet Kissane, 30, at Lincoln Fashion Week next week.

From hundreds of applications, just 65 models have been chosen to take part in a series of fashion shows at five prime locations in Lincoln from Monday to Friday.

Harriet, who grew up in Louth, but now lives in Lincoln, saw the call for models and thought she would apply, as well as secretly putting forward her mum.

She said: “I saw the advertisement for models and thought, I work full-time as a teacher, I have three children and I am back to being a size eight – I will apply to model in the show.

“Then I thought, mum’s been fighting cancer and having chemotherapy, but no-one would ever know. She looks fantastic, I will send in an application for her as well.

“It would be nice if she was pampered and we could do this together. We could both inspire other people in different ways.”

Toni’s last chemotherapy session takes place on Friday and she is really excited to be taking part in the event.

She told The Leader: “I knew nothing about Harriet putting me forward to model. I have never done anything like this before in my life, but I am so excited.

“I have my last injection this Friday, so it would be lovely to turn up on the day and get pampered and maybe even enjoy a class of champagne.”

Toni, who works at Boots in town, added: “I started back at work in March – but just part-time. It’s great to get out and about and I really enjoy my job. If I didn’t do something, I would be sat in my PJs all day.

“But I always feel so much better when I get up, put my make-up on and face the day head on and now I’m going to be a model on the catwalk.

“I just want to thank my lovely daughter Harriet for putting me forward to model. She has been so supportive as have all of my family.”