Inspirational cancer teen launches own fashion line to help other youngsters battling the disease
Callum Ballantine will preview his 'Made from Manchester' T-shirts at a special city centre catwalk show on Wednesday night
Alex Hibbert
Callum Ballantine, 19, modelling his Mancunian themed clothing
To keep up with Rochdale news sign up to the MyRochdale newsletter here
An inspirational cancer sufferer is launching his own charity fashion line to help other youngsters battling the disease.
Callum Ballantine, 19, is currently undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, in February.
But while being treated on the Young Oncology unit at the Christie Hospital in Manchester , Callum and his best friend Samir Kamani have developed a clothing line inspired by their love of Manchester.
People purchasing the Mancunian themed clothing – coined 'Made From Manchester' - will help raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust, with all profit made from the £10 mens and ladies t-shirts donated to the charity.
Callum, from Didsbury, explains: "I am currently being treated at the Christie hospital. During my time there me and Samir, who comes to visit all the time, have been able to see the work that the Teenage Cancer Trust are able to offer to cancer patients.
"I was blessed to be able to spend time on a ward with people my own age and being able to partake in activities that normal teenagers would want to whilst fulfilling their adolescent lifestyles.
"Seeing first-hand the care offered by people involved with the Teenage Cancer Trust made myself and Samir want to help support the charity and with our love of fashion and style we created Made From Manchester to do just that. "We are really hoping the people of Manchester embrace the brand, show their support and help make a difference."
Samir Kumani, Zach Sadri, Luke Grimshaw and Callum Ballantine selling the t-shirts at a stall in Didsbury
The fashion line will be launched at the 'Fashion for a Reason' event at Harvey Nichols tomorrow (Wednesday, November 11).
During the show youngsters who have battled or are battling cancer will take to the catwalk in a bid to raise awareness of charities helping combat cancer.
Among those set to take to the stage include the night's co-host Olivia Cork, 19, who was recently nominated for Cheshire Woman of the Year. Just 14 when she was diagnosed with bone cancer, Olivia underwent two cycles of chemotherapy and subsequently had to have her right leg amputated.
And modelling will be 16-year-old Melissa Sutton, from Whitworth in Rochdale , who helped raise thousands of pounds for cancer charities and also wrote about her experiences on her Facebook page 'Melissa's Journey'.
After undergoing 13 bouts of chemotherapy, 30 radiotherapy sessions and surgery, she was told last week by doctors at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, where she was treated on a Teenage Cancer Trust unit, that her cancer is in remission.
The night is being organised by the Teenage Cancer Trust's North West ambassador Margo Cornish, who also runs The Cinderella Project, a scheme which offers young women with cancer bespoke beauty experiences.
She said: "The people of Manchester and Cheshire are renowned for their kindness and this event just wouldn't possible without our generous sponsors and supporters, most of whom give their time and expertise for free. There is so much more that needs to be done to raise awareness. More awareness leads to earlier diagnosis, which in turn leads to better prognosis."
Made from Manchester clothing will be available to buy from www.madefrommanchester.com .
For more information on Fashion for a Reason and The Cinderella Project, then visit www.runwayontherunway.co.uk .
Molly-Mae Hague"I don't want to die": Mum, 31, says Molly-Mae Hague's Instagram post saved her lifeHannah Bolton spotted a candid post by the influencer in September 2021
'Disgusting' pervert in 'Royal Mail uniform' took photos up schoolgirl's skirt in supermarket
PoyntonBenjamin Harrison, 39, was handed a community order
Hazel Grove MP William Wragg accuses Boris Johnson's Government of 'blackmail'
PoliticsMr Wragg advised colleagues to 'report these matters to the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police'