Ms Lily Chan, 53, gives the thumbs up to her friends and supporters as she walks down the catwalk. The crowd responds with cheers for the breast cancer survivor, who was first diagnosed with the condition in 2010.

She was joined by other breast cancer patients and survivors who walked the runway yesterday wearing clothes that they designed and sewed themselves.

The fashion show at The Cathay was held in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Organiser National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) said it teamed up with Singapore Fashion Runway (SFR) "to demonstrate that one can live life normally and beautifully after a breast cancer diagnosis".

Over two months, the patients and survivors learnt to design and sew their outfits under the guidance of Ms Eileen Yap, creator of SFR and founder of local fashion label Noel Caleb.

The women worked the runway dressed in 20 exclusive casual and party outfits, each featuring something pink to symbolise awareness and hope for breast cancer patients.