They tend to push their families forward and put themselves out of the picture - in more ways than one.

A vision to inspire and uplift women was one of the reasons she re-launched Artisan House of Photography in Albury as a dedicated women's portrait studio.

And, after watching a close friend undergo treatment for cancer, the former teacher knew exactly how she could make a difference where it counted.

McCarthy founded the 50 Fabulous Women project, recruiting women to take part in a photo-shoot to empower them to reclaim their beauty as part of a fundraiser for The Albury-Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund.

For more than a year she has met with incredible women, listened to their stories and captured their essence in a serious of photo shoots that will be revealed in a coffee table book later this year.

McCarthy has been privileged to share the "compelling stories" of women who have overcome life's adversities, many of them directly or indirectly affected by cancer.

"Along the way there have been a lot of tears shed while writing their stories for this book," she says.

"But many women have said the experience has been cathartic and I love giving a voice to their strength."

What McCarthy is most proud of is that these women, ranging in age from their 20s to 60s - trusted her enough to "take the plunge".

"The portraits bring out the character of each individual woman," she says.

"One gorgeous lady had her mother's cookbook and apron - treasures to her - for the shoot.

"These women now have portraits of themselves that they really love - and that's rare."

Jenny Jensen has taken on her son's cancer fight - because he is no longer able to.

The mum of five children (and grandmother to three) lost her son Ricky to a rare form of leukaemia in 2010.

Since then she has bravely stepped into the spotlight in advocacy roles for cancer patients and their carers and now in front of the camera for the 50 Fabulous Women project.

She was joined by good friends Lynne Morey and Joanne Owen "who were by my side throughout this journey and I couldn't have got through without them".

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The chair of Albury Wodonga Cancer Foundation and The Border Advocacy Network of Cancer Council NSW says her bucket list "is to make improvements to make a difficult journey a little easier".

"I have grown and had opportunities to help others that I never would have if it had not been for my coming front and centre to this awful disease," she says.

Kate Sefton says she was forever changed by one night in August, 2017.

She met the "most amazing young man" sleeping on the street in the freezing cold and has fiercely championed his case ever since.

"Having been pushed from pillar to post since before he was born, with no constant in his life, he now has a friend who will support him forever - even when he isn't always making good decisions," the Albury salon owner says.

"I often try to imagine what life would be like with 'not one person' who cares about you and, to be honest, I feel such a tearing pain in my heart: it's unthinkable.

"I am the privileged one to now call Les my friend. And, although still struggling with everyday life, he now knows unconditional love!"

Kate has faced many roadblocks and setbacks in her attempts to help Les navigate government departments and the "failing" mental health system.

"I am completely and utterly changed; I am the strongest version of myself that I can be," she says.

"I will not stand in silence another minute to watch injustice handed out by those who should be helping these young people."

Kate's advice to others is to do something for someone every day and expect nothing in return.

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