Hebden Bridge businesses join forces to raise over £2500 for Calderdale cancer charity

All eyes were on Hebden Bridge businesses Valli Opticians and Dragonfly Boutique for their third charity fashion show which raised £2655 for Macmillan Cancer Support in Calderdale.

Following the huge success of the two previous events, the venue was changed to Hebden Bridge Town Hall to accommodate the rise in demand for tickets. The show was organised by Joanne Gas of Dragonfly Boutique and Rachel Valli of Valli Opticians and was their biggest joint event to date. Joanne and Rachel also enlisted the help of Vanessa Lewis, an ambassador for Macmillan Cancer Support in Calderdale.

Joanne said: “We’re really pleased at how popular our charity fashion shows have become in Hebden Bridge. Our latest event had a ‘summer explosion’ theme. Guests were given goody bags and a glass of fizz on arrival and then treated to a fabulous show. We presented our Spring Summer 19 collections through a variety of differently themed scenes. Each scene was carefully thought out and choreographed with the outfits complemented by glasses or sunglasses from the new summer collection at Valli Opticians.”

Rachel added: “Hebden Bridge is a thriving town, full of independent shops and a supportive community. We love working with Dragonfly Boutique to organise our fashion shows and we’re absolutely thrilled that we raised so much money for such a worthwhile cause, making it our most successful charity fashion show to date.”

Adele Hopkins, Fundraising Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support in Calderdale, said: “The evening was fantastic and the amount of money raised is incredible. The difference it will make to local people is huge. One in 2 of us will be affected by cancer in our life time and it is events like this that enable us to help and support more people. Thank you to everyone involved.”

Anon Lingerie, of Elland, also took part showcasing their gorgeous collection of lingerie and swimwear, while Element Jewellery, of Hebden Bridge, provided key pieces of jewellery to complement the outfits.

Along with ticket sales, a raffle was held with an excellent selection of prizes. An auction also took place for some ‘big ticket’ items including a weekend cottage break, an Aspinal of London handbag and a painting by renowned local artist Olivia Pilling.