Fiona’s love of fashion ‘became a force for resilience and real impact’

When friends of Fiona Fleming (McGirr) decided they wanted to host an event in her memory and to raise funds for cancer, it was only ever going to revolve around one thing.

Among so many positives, Fiona was known for her innate sense of style and elegance, and so a fashion show it had to be.

The mum-of-three, who lived in Fermoy, lost her long battle with breast cancer in March, 2024.

“Fiona was such an incredibly wonderful, kind, and elegant person,” said her friend Cathy O’Flynn. “She was thoughtful, glamorous, and full of heart, and we wanted to remember this and pay tribute in true Fiona style.”

Fiona’s Fashion Fusion, which took place last month in Fota Island Resort, was a celebration of style, connection, and meaningful support for those facing a cancer diagnosis.

Reflecting how highly she was thought of, funds were raised for charities, including Cork ARC Cancer Support House, whose services Fiona availed of.

Fiona was a lecturer in Marketing at the South East Technological University, and motivated by her love of fashion, she had worked tirelessly to pioneer a new CAO course, Fashion Buying Retail Management (BSc).

“Sadly, she never got to teach the course, but her vision was for the students to go to Paris Fashion Week, and some of the funds were used to make that happen this year. The Fiona Fleming Scholarship will also be set up to support a student on the course,” said Cathy.

Fiona’s generosity and kindness saw her host children from Chernobyl in her home every year, and her family also welcomed Ukrainians into their home in response to the national appeal for accommodation.

“These are just small examples that show what an incredible person she was,” said Cathy.

“She was instantly likeable – and she’d hate us talking about her like this,” added friend Marcella Power, who also organised the event. “She had this aura about her – and even though she was juggling 10 balls in the air, she was always so kind, giving and generous.

“She was so smart and loved life, and we just wanted to do something to shine a light on such a remarkable person and mark her passing in a meaningful way.”

Funds on the day also went to Look Good Feel Better (LGFB), a global cancer support charity providing practical support for people struggling with the side-effects of cancer treatment.

Cork woman Deirdre Cooper is an LGFB advocate and supporter who became involved in the charity after she was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was aged 39, nine years ago.

She works as a solicitor, but after going through her treatment, she retrained as a make-up artist and now provides make-up workshops at ARC House.

“My USP is that I had cancer myself so I know what people are going through. But the workshops are really much deeper than make-up,” she said.

“People will come in feeling unsure and end up opening up in a room full of strangers because everyone is on the same page. Serious conversations are had in a very light-hearted way, and real friendships are formed,” said Deirdre.

Under the creative direction of Gráinne O’Connor (Crayon Creative), Cathy and Marcella, the event, attended by Fiona’s three adult children, was an enormous success.

Among other highlights, guest speaker Peigín Crowley, founder of GROUND Wellbeing, shared her journey from spa consultant to wellness entrepreneur, and her mission to support women’s health, cancer care, and accessible self-care.

Deirdre silenced the room as more than 300 women listened, engrossed, to her cancer story and learnt more about the powerful support Look Good Feel Better had on her during her treatment, and continues to have for so many women.

“Through this event, Fiona’s love of fashion became a force for empowerment, resilience, and real impact.

“Fiona’s Fashion Fusion was more than just a fundraiser - it was a tribute in true Fiona style - thoughtful, glamorous, and full of heart,” said Cathy.