Michelle strips for cancer charity

Michelle Morris

MICHELLE Morris has bared all to benefit a charity which is close to her heart.

The 48-year-old is one of 15 women affected by breast cancer who stripped and posed for paintings to raise money for charity.

The plucky women took the brave step to raise money for the Manchester-based breast cancer prevention charity, the Genesis Appeal.

The result is The Art of Genesis, an exhibition showcasing a collection of paintings and sketches featuring the women.

The fab 15 posed for Argentinean artist, Rosana Ibarrola.

Michelle, who grew up in the Chadderton area, was only 26 when she had her left breast removed after discovering a lump. Ten years later she was then diagnosed with cancer in her right breast, which was also removed.

The police worker, who has had reconstructive surgery, admitted that she was nervous about posing naked.

She said: “After my illness people were really good to me. The hospital was fantastic, I had a lot of support from my family and I wanted to give something back.

“Now I am probably at the best time of my life. I have got three children, five stepchildren and I have got my career.

“I love the painting, it is absolutely beautiful. I am going to try and talk my husband into buying it! I adore the work Rosana is doing and I am honoured to be part of it.”

The exhibition got an exclusive showing at a ladies luncheon attended by 240 style-savvy women, after which Michelle and her fellow models strutted their stuff on the catwalk to showcase this season’s hot trends.

They were given a standing ovation not just for their glamorous performance, but also for their tenacity in the face of breast cancer.

The paintings will be exhibited and put up for sale at a number of venues across the North-West and London, with the remaining paintings sold at auction next year.

Half of the proceeds from sales will go towards the Genesis Appeal.

The appeal helped to fund the Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Centre, which is Europe’s first purpose-built centre of its kind. The £14 million centre, based at Manchester’s Wythenshawe Hospital, brings together internationally- recognised medical experts and houses pioneering work into diagnosis, education and research into the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.