The Donegal Rose will lead 500 models in an uplifting catwalk challenge this October.

Donegal Rose Chloe Kennedy, 20, is relishing life – and health – after getting the all-clear from cancer in April.

She has had a whirlwind summer representing her county in the Rose of Tralee.

Now, the admirable Donegal Town woman will take on another huge challenge – to try and smash the world record for the most number of models to take part in a single fashion show.

 

Donegal Rose Chloe Kennedy

Chloe has been announced as the leader of the Beat It fashion show, taking place in Sligo in October in aid of cancer support services. 500 models will unite to break the current world record for a single fashion show – which stands at 408.

The unique event will see cancer survivors from across Ireland joining a string of celebrities to raise awareness and funds for Sligo Cancer Support Centre, which provides support to more than 500 people with cancer in the North West every year.

Also strutting their stuff along with Chloe will be singers Nathan Carter and his brother Jake, Kerry GAA legend Kieran Donaghy, All-Ireland winning Dublin All-Star Paul Flynn, social media star Rory O’Connor (aka Rory’s Stories) and four former Miss Irelands.

Cancer Survivors Jennifer Fowley, Chloe Kennedy, and Glen Monaghan, who will lead the Beat It Fashion Show

Eamonn Cunningham of ejmenswear.com, who is organising the charity fashion show to mark 25 years in business, praised Chloe as an ‘amazing example’ to others.

“Chloe is just 20 years old and a cancer survivor and she’s out there raising awareness and encouraging people to get checked out,” he said.

Chloe’s experience captivated Rose of Tralee viewers as she told Daithi O’Se on live TV how she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a rare form of cancer that attacks the lymph nodes.

But with the unstinting support of her family and friends, Chloe soon found an inner strength she didn’t know she had.

“Getting the all clear was a phenomenal feeling and now I want to help other people to be aware of their own health,” she said.

“A lot of people think nothing of spending €50 on a night out but they’d hesitate to go to a doctor if they felt something wasn’t right. Get it checked out, it could save your life!”

After extensive treatment, the psychology student got the all clear in April.

Looking ahead to the Beat It fashion show, Chloe said: “I want to show people we can beat it. And there is nothing more exciting than the chance to break a world record while we are at it.”

Chloe says organisations such as Sligo Cancer Support Centre provide an essential range of services for people dealing with the mental and physical impacts of cancer.

“Whether it’s counselling or physical therapies, you can’t put a price on how beneficial the supports are that’s why I am delighted to be taking part in Beat It”

This fashion extravaganza will be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo on 16th October and feature clothing ranges from the world’s top brands.

Entrance on the night is €20 and a fundraising page has been set for online donations at https://www.gofundme.com/f/cancer-care-fashion-show-world-record-attempt