Cancer Research Charity Fashion Show

Nicole decided to organise a fashion show in order to help her friend, Jackie, raise money for a sponsored walk to Macchu Picchu in Peru in aid of the Cancer Research UK.

Nicole said "I was inspired to help by the example of my friend Jackie, who has three children and yet is giving up her time to raise £5,000 for Cancer Research whilst also taking on the challenge to get fit. I lost both my parents to cancer and my husband lost his father so it is a cause I wanted to support."

Having searched the Internet, Nicole contacted Jas Fashions asking if they knew of a company who could assist with a fund raising fashion show in St Albans. After checking the travelling distance Jas Fashions offered their services and Nicole secured a venue. The St Albans Thistle Hotel has a permanent marquee attached to the hotel, which they kindly offered to Nicole for a heavily reduced fee.

Nicole and her team were super-efficient in organising the event. Models were recruited, advertising was arranged, programmes were printed and long before the due date the tickets had all been sold. In total Nicole was expecting an audience of over 200 people.

Jas fashions arrived at the venue to find the catwalk erected, and the massive display of raffle prizes being assembled. Prizes all had a health, fashion and beauty theme and were donated by local companies and friends of Nicole and Jacky. By 5.30 pm, all the clothes were displayed in the marquee and the models were arriving. The 4 boys and 6 girls were very excited; their outfits were quickly distributed and after a few alterations all were happy. The 6 lady models enjoyed choosing, swapping and adding their own accessories to their outfits to make them feel comfortable and special. A couple of helpers were drafted in to provide some finishing touches to hair and make up and the anticipation built as the audience started to arrive.

Guests could not escape the raffle ticket sellers – all males dressed in football kit so as not to be missed! By 7.40 pm, the marquee was packed and the excitement was evident front of house and backstage. To everyone’s delight, the show began. We don’t know who enjoyed it most the audience or the models. They were all eager to model a few more outfits if needed and had to be coaxed off the catwalk. The photographer captured the spirit of the evening and the pictures were available on line for purchase the following day.

In total over £1,300 was raised and all those involved felt exhilarated by the evening. The audience enjoyed a lively and colourful show and couldn’t wait to get shopping! They relished the opportunity to purchase a large selection of ladies and children’s clothes all at very competitive prices. What an enjoyable way to raise funds for this much needed cause!