Models took to the catwalk in Liverpool to raise funds for a charity that supports stroke victims.
Student Lisa Horsley, who lost her mother three years ago to a suspected post-stroke seizure, organised Swish Swoo, a catwalk show in MODO Liverpool, to raise awareness and funds for the Stroke Association.
Lisa said: “The reason that I chose to raise funds for this particular cause is because it is very close to my heart. My nana has also suffered five strokes. She is still fighting.”
Lisa, 24, from Preston, works full time, studies Events Management at the University of Central Lancashire and also models and does charity work whenever she can.
She said: “I guess I like to keep myself busy.”
The show featured some of Liverpool’s finest designers and boutiques showcasing their Christmas collections. The local talent included A La Mode, Amy Saville, Cats Ransom, Chio Couture, Hot Frox, Moss and Shameless Originals.
Guests were greeted at the door with ‘goody bags’ and drinks and were invited to join in ‘Swishing’, the latest fashion craze involving bringing unwanted items of clothing to donate and then choosing another item that someone else has donated.
The evening involved a variety of special guests and stars from this year’s Big Brother. However the real star of the event was Becky Beaumont who, at just 22, has already suffered a stroke. Her story was inspirational and Becky helped promote one of the association’s main objectives: ‘Life After Stroke’.
Rebecca Owen, regional fundraiser, told JMU Journalism: “Becky is a stroke survivor herself, raising awareness that strokes don’t just happen to older people, It can happen to anyone at anytime in their lives.”
Lisa said: “I definitely feel as though the event helped raise awareness as we had the charity fully involved.”
The event raised £553 for the Stroke Association but Lisa’s work will not stop there.
She told JMU Journalism; “Our main hope is to continue to raise awareness about strokes. One person every five minutes has a stroke. The work will always be on going.”
To make a donation to The Stroke Association please email: [email protected]