THE four-year-old daughter of a ‘strong and kind’ mum who died from bowel cancer is set to follow in her footsteps by taking to the catwalk.

Freya McHugh, from Padgate, will be joined by her dad Jamie as they take on the first parent-and-child catwalk at Maggie’s on the Runway in honour of their mum and wife Kellyanne.

More than 50 people who have suffered with or are undergoing cancer treatment will take part in the event on Saturday, June 16, which features a fashion show and gala dinner underneath Concorde at Manchester Airport. 

It aims to raise money for Maggie’s Cancer Centre in Manchester – a home from home environment where cancer patients, their friends and family can access support and relief from treatments at the nearby Christie Hospital. 

Kellyanne had previously taken part in the event in 2016, which raised £175,000 for the cause.

She was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2014, just four months after giving birth to her daughter.

Following various surgeries and chemotherapy sessions Kellyanne was given the all clear and the family returned to normal life.

“I truly felt she had finally fought it off as I always imagined she would do,” said 32-year-old husband Jamie. 

“We made plans, put our house on the market and put an offer in on a new house nearer friends and family and decided that we could potentially still grow our family by adopting. Everything was progressing well – we were even booking holidays.”

But after the cancer returned, Kelly’s health deteriorated and she died in August 2017. 

Jamie, a project manager at Lloyds Bank, said: “She fought so hard every day to be with Freya and I think she lived at least six months longer than she would have done had she not been so determined to continue being the great mum she was in spite of everything.

“Kel was the kindest and strongest person I have ever known. She was my family and we made the most beautiful little girl together. I promised I would give Freya the life we planned for her and that I wouldn’t let this tragic situation ruin Freya’s childhood. 

“Kel was one of the stars of the Maggie’s on the Runway 2016 and it will be one of the proudest moments of my life when I walk with my daughter down the runway and share such a special moment where she can follow in her mummy’s footsteps.

“I can’t wait to strut down the catwalk with her and we are already practising our walks and our blue steel poses.”

Visit maggieontherunway.com.