The new fundraising group have held their very first major fundraising event at Budehaven School on April 26.

The North Cornwall Marie Curie Fundraising Group have only been established since the start of 2020 and were very excited for the occasion.

Vanessa Humber, member of the North Cornwall Marie Curie Fundraising Group, said: “The group were overwhelmed by donations of so many new and pre-loved items to sell at their clothes event and a huge thank you goes out to everyone who donated such beautiful items. With a selection of men’s suits, prom dresses, vintage wear, top designer names and quality high street brands, plus shoes, bags, dress jewellery and accessories, there really was something for everyone!”

The event was held to be able to provide those struggling to meet the costs of school prom by providing affordable suits and dresses to wear.

The evening started with a short talk on the work of Marie Curie by Lynda Thomas, Marie Curie South West area fundraising manager. Followed by two songs performed by student band Jewell, before some of the students and a couple of brave teachers, who had chosen some of the items to wear, performed the catwalk show, all of which was greeted with much enthusiasm by the audience.

Vanessa explained: “Then it was time to browse and shop, with many bargains to be had and people were thrilled with their treasure finds!

“The auction was great fun with lots from Jo Downs Handmade Glass, Broomhill Manor riding stables, Bellini’s hamper voucher (donated by Aspects Holidays), Bamfords and artist Nicola Hallman, plus a privately donated luxury food hamper.

“Our thanks go to teacher Mr Reay for doing such a fantastic job hosting the auction and compering the overall event for us. The raffle was also well supported with so many items donated by kind local businesses and individuals, thank you all.

“Finally, a big thank you to anyone else who help in any way with the event, and to the friends of Budehaven School who provided some tasty refreshments.”

£1,208.67 profit was made from the evening with all of the money going towards Marie Curie South West to continue providing care and support for the terminally ill and their families in the local area.

Pauline Westwood, Budehaven School deputy head, said: “On April 26, Budehaven school hosted the Marie Curie Fashion Event. The school hall was awash with colour and many of our students loved being part of the evening, whether walking the catwalk, playing in the band or helping with the organisation. One of our parents said,

“It was so well organised and for such an important reason...a really great night out, we loved it all and bagged a few bargains! When is the next one?”

North Cornwall Marie Curie Fundraising Group have said thank you to Pauline for her incredible contribution towards making it such a good night for all concerned, especially with the preparation.

Vanessa commented: “One of the highlights for me was the auction, masterfully managed by our very own teacher of PE and PSHE, Mr. Martin Reay.

“It was also lovely to see Nicola Hallman from our art department, who donated some of her paintings, as well as generously gifting her home-made earrings to all the models that evening.

“This was a real community event, and we are so pleased that some of our disadvantaged students were able to purchase fantastic prom outfits at very reasonable prices.”

The group’s next plan is to host a daytime event at Rosehip Barn, St Clether, Launceston, PL15 8NQ, on Saturday, July 14.

“As well as many more fabulous clothes, they plan to provide a variety of stalls, entertainment and cream teas/cakes for all ages to enjoy too. More info to follow soon,” Vanessa explained. “The fundraising group would love to welcome new volunteers to join their fun friendly group, so if you would like to get involved in any way and make some new friends, do get in touch.”

For more information contact North Cornwall Marie Curie Fundraising Group facebook or email [email protected]

For more information on Marie Curie’s work, go to www.mariecurie.org.uk