A 50-YEAR-OLD man with breast cancer is raising awareness of his unusual illness by taking to the catwalk.

Earlier this year Doug Harper was diagnosed with the cancer, which affects only 300 men in the UK annually, just days before his fiftieth birthday.

Following a mastectomy in March, the father-of-five from Plum Lane, Plumstead, is now undergoing chemotherapy until mid-October.

The musician and local campaigner has been blogging about his experiences to raise awareness of the illness and is now set to join 23 other models to show off clothing from elite designers like Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood, as well as high street outfits.

He said: "The best way to approach this disease is to treat it as a war and cancer is the enemy to be beaten.

"This is why the show is so good for us all.

"It is a wonderful opportunity to display that we are still beautiful people and that we do not take this disease lying down".

The fashion show, being held at the swanky Grosvenor House Hotel in London, is raising cash for the Breast Cancer Care charity and takes place on October 3.

Show organiser Samia al Qadhi said: "The show is a splendid opportunity for all the models taking part to demonstrate, in front of their friends and families, that you can celebrate life after a breast cancer diagnosis."

Ticket prices range from £60 to £180, To find out more, visit breastcancercare.org.uk/theshow or call 0845 092 0806.

Mr Harper is also raising money at justgiving.com/Doug-Harper and publishes his One in 300 blog at dougeharper.wordpress.com