By Aftab Ali

A HOWWOOD photographer has raised over £43,000 for a cancer charity after launching a calendar showing striking images of those living with the disease.

Caroline Stewart, 42, hosted a glittering diamond-themed ball at the Normandy Hotel on October 7 after throwing a similar event at the venue last year which raised £19,000.

The images captured by Caroline show people of all ages either living with or having battled cancer, with all proceeds going to Cancer Research UK (CRUK).

The 2017 calendar - entitled Behind the Smile - is in memory of Paisley teen Stephen Roy who died in July after losing his battle with bowel cancer at the age of 18.

Stephen had planned to be a model in Caroline’s calendar, but passed away just weeks before the photographer got the chance to meet him.

Sean McPolin, one of the models who has tongue cancer, brought along his radiotherapy mask on the night and, along with model Evelyn Vanni, made an inspirational speech.

The Dancedreams school opened the night, as a couple wowed the crowd with a routine from Dirty Dancing.

Laurel Allen, aged 3, who recently lost an eye to cancer, came to the party with her parents, and Kayla Davis, aged 6, who is fighting leukaemia, enjoyed being a princess for the night, as all guests danced the night away.

Caroline, who was moved to take action after her mum’s friend passed away, and after witnessing her friend battle the disease, told The Gazette: “We had so much fun. A chef from Mar Hall was auctioned off to cook at someone’s home which raised £600.

“Local MP Gavin Newlands attended with his wife Lynn for the second year and continues to support my fundraising for CRUK. I am extremely proud the night went so well.”

Caroline first began fundraising in 2009, but with money-raising efforts not going well, eventually came up with the idea of making a calendar.

She said: “When I first advertised it on Facebook, the response was phenomenal. Word even spread down south so fast, and I got about 500 messages.”

Last year’s calendar was called The Fight Within and Caroline’s models ranged from the ages of six to 68.

With more fundraising efforts yet to come, including a local coffee morning, Caroline anticipates the final total to be raised for CRUK to hit £45,000.

To purchase the calendar or to find out more about her work, please call Caroline on 07585447561.