The stories and photographs of 50 inspirational women feature in a new coffee table book aimed at raising money for the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund.

The 50 Fabulous Women project was the initiative of photographer, Janiece McCarthy, who hoped the book would show that every woman has a story to tell.

“In the book, alongside their studio portraits, these lovely women share their stories that will motivate, inspire, educate, make you laugh and make you cry,” she said.

“But ultimately, their stories will provide you with the realisation that they are every day women – not famous or worldly, but women just like you and me.”

Inspired by Sunshine Week 2017, Mrs McCarthy wanted to support the Trust Fund through her work as a specialist women’s portrait photographer.

In return for a $75 donation to the Trust Fund, Mrs McCarthy offered women the opportunity to enjoy the studio’s portrait experience, and to share their story and photos in the book.

The women featured have overcome some of life’s biggest challenges, many of them directly or indirectly impacted by cancer.

Among them is Wodonga mum, Natalie Nelson, who was nominated by her boss after she was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer.

Mrs Nelson accepted the nomination in the hope of raising awareness of her rare type of cancer, which affects the neuroendocrine cells present through the nervous and endocrine systems.

“I was a bit overwhelmed at the start, but I felt that if I got my story out there and raised some awareness, then some good can come out of it,” she said.

“Our bodies know when something’s not right (and) my body told me when I had a bowel intussusception. If this didn’t happen my cancer may not have been found.

“So I encourage people to read the signs in their body and follow up with their doctors if they feel that something is not right.”

The 50 Fabulous Women project raised $7345 for the Trust Fund, which includes sitting fees of $4590, gala book launch proceeds of $1926 and an Atura Albury donation of $758.

A portion of the book sales will also go towards the Trust Fund.

The book can be purchased for $59.95 through the Artisan House of Photography website at www.artisanhouseofphotography.com.au

People can donate a copy of the book to a business, friend, doctor’s surgery or organisation and include their dedication in the front.