Laura Jackson unites with fashion to fight breast cancer

#FashionStrong

Fashion Targets Breast Cancer is back again with a new campaign, Fashion Strong, which sees women standing side by side to fight against the disease.

In case you're not familiar with the movement, it sees the world of fashion unite to raise money for Breast Cancer Now, through a stylish high-street collection.

This year, TV presenter and fashion favourite Laura Jackson is fronting the campaign, where she is joined by curve model Mollie Campsie, research scientists from charity Breast Cancer Now and Toral and Clover, who have both had breast cancer. Watch it below:

To mark the launch, we caught up with Laura for an exclusive Q&A. Read on to find out why the matter is close to her heart, and which outfit makes her feel like she can conquer the world.

Can you tell us a bit more about Fashion Targets Breast Cancer 2017?

 Fashion Targets Breast Cancer is back for 2017 with a campaign called ‘Fashion Strong’. It is all about women coming together, through fashion, to stop breast cancer. Once again, some of UK’s top high-street retailers are on board and have created a fabulous product collection, which is raising money to support Breast Cancer Now.

You’ve been a supporter of Fashion Targets Breast Cancer for a number of years, why is it so important to you?

 I’m thrilled to be supporting Fashion Targets Breast Cancer again. It is so inspiring to be a part of as it involves so many passionate people who all share a common goal; raising money to fund vital research into breast cancer.

I’ve experienced first-hand the devastating impact breast cancer can have. Thankfully, my mother came through it, but sadly breast cancer still takes the lives of around 11,500 women every year in the UK. The money raised by Fashion Targets Breast Cancer helps to fund Breast Cancer Now’s life-saving breast cancer research and so I am delighted to be doing what I can to support this important cause.

What do you hope will be achieved by Fashion Targets Breast Cancer in 2017?

 I hope we can raise as much money as possible to support vital breast cancer research. The Fashion Targets Breast Cancer product collection launches in stores and online on Tuesday 18^th April. Buying and wearing a piece from the collection means you’ll be part of a force of incredible women who want to stop breast cancer taking the lives of those we love, because 30% of each sale goes straight to Breast Cancer Now to fund vital research.

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What does Fashion Strong mean to you?

 Fashion is for all and everyone has their own style. So for me, Fashion Strong means feeling strong and confident in yourself, in your personality and in your own uniqueness. Fashion really does have the power to unite and inspire and that’s what this year’s Fashion Strong campaign is all about; women coming together, empowered, supported and inspired by each other and by fashion.

What role does fashion play in your life?

 I have always loved fashion, I like that fact that it’s an extension of my personality and that my outfit can change mood dependent! Fashion does play a big part in my life because I love it, for me its fun and I don’t take it too seriously. Its something that unites my friends and I, as we love talking about clothes.

Which outfit or item in your wardrobe makes you feel ready to take on the world?

 I have a hot pink, tailored jacket in my wardrobe that absolutely I love. I wear it to dress up a pair jeans, throw it over my shoulders with a great tailored shirt or wear it to help add some colour to a plainer outfit. It’s definitely a power jacket and makes me feel like I can do and achieve anything when I wear it!

When things don’t go well or you’re having a difficult time, where do you draw your strength from?

My boyfriend Jonathan is possibly the best person I have ever met, he has a fabulous moral compass, is a great laugh and always lends an ear. I also have the greatest support network of friends, they really are amazing and the best fun, we are always there for each other, as my family live up north my friends are my London family. I have my sister Anna here too as she’s amazing.

Laura Jackson is supporting Fashion Targets Breast Cancer 2017. To find out more about Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, the story behind the Fashion Strong campaign and to shop the collection from Tuesday 18 April 2017 please visit www.fashiontargetsbreastcancer.org.uk #FashionStrong