A CANCER SURVIVOR from a Denbighshire town has become one of the stars of a national advertising campaign for Boots No 7 and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Ali Alcock from Corwen is a social worker for Denbighshire County Council and an ambassador for Macmillan.
The 42-year-old was approached by the charity to feature in the advertising campaign for partner Boots’ No 7 make-up range, as the two team up to try and raise £1 million for the charity this year.
Ali’s face can now be seen on advertising hoardings in stores around the UK and appears in video tutorials on the online campaign.
Having overcome cervical cancer, which she was diagnosed with in 2015, Ali has gone on to become an avid fundraiser, collecting more than £15,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support who she says were a big help during her five-month battle with cancer.
She raised the money by producing a ‘Kit Off for Cancer’ charitable calendar, taking part in a charity walk and carpool karaoke for cancer and also hosting three charity nights – which featured team challenges, auctions, raffles and lucky squares.
PICTURE: Ali Alcock in her Macmillan Cancer Support gear.
Ali said: “Macmillan got in touch, asking if I wanted to get involved in the project. I went off to a studio in Camden and took part in a video shoot for a tutorial on applying make-up when diagnosed or undergoing treatment for Cancer, as well as a photo shoot. I also recorded a testimonial as a five year survivor of cancer.
“Having your make-up and hair done can make you feel better, your mental health and well-being can improve by feeling more like yourself. Whether you are going through treatment, been newly diagnosed or if you have battled cancer and survived.
"Seeing my face on advertising hoardings is a little bit bizarre as it's not something that happens daily to a small town girl like myself, but I am very proud to be part of this new campaign and it feels amazing to see the finished videos and photos.
"It's been such an amazing experience an I hope they can reach their target of one million pounds.Having had first hand experience of the support that Macmillan offer, I know how invaluable it is.
“I’m a social worker and I’m very passionate about my role, but I’m also passionate about the work that I do with Macmillan. I get the best of both worlds which is brilliant, but I don’t think I’ll be changing career anytime soon”.
Once the coronavirus lockdown is over, Ali is aiming to continue her fundraising this year by undertaking a Charity Tandem Skydive for Macmillan Cancer Support and will be arranging another Charity Night.
Councillor Bobby Feeley, Denbighshire’s Cabinet Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, said: “Ali is such an inspirational lady, not only as a social worker but as someone who has battled cancer and is such a positive influence on others.
“She has raised a tremendous amount of money for Macmillan and this reflects her true spirit, her kind-heartedness and passion for helping other people. We are delighted that Ali has had this amazing opportunity, in recognition of her hard work and determination”.
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