Four women who’ve accessed Pendleside Hospice services are preparing to strut their stuff at a fundraising fashion show next month, wearing outfits from the charity’s own shops.
Sandra Bignall, Dot Gade, Sandra Marks and Christine Leverret will be joined on the night by a number of children who’ve accessed bereavement services from hospice’s family centre, bringing the event to life with the real people who will be helped by the fundraising.
The fashion show, which is set to bring styles from the catwalks of London and Milan to Clitheroe's Holmes Mill on Thursday 18th July, was the brainchild of Lynda Laird, an auxiliary nurse at the hospice.
Lynda credits her inspiration for the event to her two daughters, Courtney and Poppy, who have both modelled in the House of Ikons Show at London Fashion Week for Mm Milano.
She’s also teaming up with Gemma Hildred, the hospice's arts co-coordinator, to design an original dress which will be modelled on the night and displayed in the Colne, Nelson and Padiham hospice charity shops.
This original piece is being made in collaboration with Marlene Cheale who has always been a keen beader. Her hobby has allowed her to produce many eye-catching pieces of work that have been shared and displayed on the day services unit, which she currently accesses once a week.
Lynda said: “The fashion show’s theme is ‘Shine like the Stars’ and this will be reflected in this dress – all the embellishments will sparkle and shine so the model will feel amazing. This has been great creative therapy and the day services patients have thoroughly enjoyed it, with some being re-introduced to sewing skills they haven’t used for a while.”
Julia O’Neill, Pendleside Hospice’s day service, family support and outpatient manager, said: “Lynda has had a fantastic vision for this event since the very beginning and it looks set to be an amazing night for everyone involved.
“Coming to the hospice for treatment of any kind can give people’s self-esteem a knock so having the chance to dress up for the night – and wearing a number of items from our own charity shops – is a fantastic opportunity for these ladies. We know the children who’ve accessed our services in the family centre are raring to go and show off their outfits too!”
The evening will also see a number of pop-up stalls showcasing ranges from skincare to jewellery, plus there will also be the chance to win prizes in the raffle or to bid on in the auction.
The fashion show takes place at Holmes Mill in Clitheroe on Thursday 18th July from 7-11pm. For tickets, call 01282 440100 or visit: pendleside.org.uk/fashionshow