Charlie House’s popular Fizz and Fashion event returned on Friday, March 22 to recognise inspirational and resilient North-east parents who care for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.
Principally sponsored by Scott James & Associates, the event took place at Union Kirk and saw 10 mums - who are supported by Charlie House - receive indulging beauty treatments before walking in a fashion show in front of more than 200 guests.
Aiming to raise awareness of the remarkable yet critical and demanding care each parent provides their child, Fizz and Fashion offers participating models a dedicated day to prioritise themselves and feel special, while educating the guests on the vast number of local families that need support for their children with degenerative conditions.
During this year’s show, parents and Charlie House advocates, Jo and Kris Wilson, took the audience on their family’s journey from the initial diagnosis of their daughters, to how they manage their conditions.
The Wilsons’ story highlighted the vital services provided by Charlie House and how it can help improve the quality of life for families in these circumstances. From ensuring a smooth transition from hospital to home and providing practical and emotional support, to offering access to inclusive activities, the charity has become an integral part of the community, ensuring families can live life to the full and make precious memories to treasure.
Creating an atmosphere charged with encouragement and empathy, this year’s event collected an impressive £29,000. The total sum includes the sale of 14 virtual bricks which directs £3,000 towards the build of Charlie House’s specialist care facility, while the remaining funds will continue to help the organisation run its services to reach an even wider pool of families who feel isolated in similar situations.
Showcasing the latest trends, local retailer, Style for your Shape, dressed this year’s models, while music from Right Here Productions played a pivotal role in inspiring confidence and creating a buzzing atmosphere for dancing and celebrating.
Leigh Ryrie, children and family support manager at Charlie House said: “I am so proud of every single person who took part in this year’s fashion show. These parents give their all to their families every day, often putting their own needs last, and they deserve to be recognised for their strength.
“One of the main aims with this event is to provide the mum models with an opportunity to take some time for themselves. When so much of your time is spent caring for others, it can be easy to forget to look after yourself, or remember who you are amongst the many hats you wear on a daily basis, such as a mum, carer, nurse or wife. I’d like to thank the suppliers for making each mum feel more confident as well as this year’s guests, for showing unwavering support and encouragement as they braved the catwalk.
“On behalf of everyone at Charlie House, I’d also like to extend a heartfelt thank you for the sum that was raised, and to our principal sponsor, Scott James & Associates for making this event possible. We are constantly looking to reach even more families and ensure they have a support group, the opportunities to take part in fun activities and of course access to information, and it’s donations like this that make this possible.”
The 2024 fundraising total was a result of general ticket sales, sponsorship, brick pledges and the event’s entertainment which included a luxury raffle, auction, tombola and Irish bingo.
To find out more about how Charlie House helps support North-east families, visit:
https://www.charliehouse.org.uk/how-we-can-help
To find out how you can help Charlie House support more families, visit:
https://www.charliehouse.org.uk/support-us
