I LOVED Transform Personal Training’s Charity Fashion Show

18 Oct 2016

Esther Farrington, of Cheadle Hulme’s own Transform Personal Training organised a spectacular Fashion Show on Thursday 13 October raising a whooping £4300 for 1000 Hearts for Harry. A further £1000 from sponsorship is due in January.

Harry Dubois was just 17 years old when he collapsed and died suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition. His family and friends were utterly devastated. 1000 Hearts for Harry – set up by Harry’s parents, Mario and Debbie and his sister Emily – aims to provide screening which could save lives. Every test costs £30, so Esther and Transform have made quite some difference. Funds will also be donated to CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) to provide defibrillators in our community.

Photo thanks to Ruth Boote

Red Carpet

The Fashion Show was held in Woodford’s airy community centre. We were greeted with an imposing, plush red carpet and a warm welcome, before being given a restorative glass of fizz (and the opportunity to buy raffle tickets to win some fantastic prizes!) Esther looked fabulous, as ever, and pop up stalls from the boutiques – including Bramhall’s own Sorella – whose clothes would be showcased offered some retail therapy. Local make-up artist Lisa Simms and Manchester College students gave their time, and many of Esther’s lovely PT clients modelled. Hair was courtesy of Deva Hair.

Photo thanks to Ruth Boote

After choosing our seats and gleefully examining our goody bags, we then had the chance to peruse the fabulous lots up for silent auction – including a Bolton Wanderers FC shirt signed by Fabrice Muamba, who famously survived an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest thanks to prompt action and a defibrillator. Fabrice’s wife Shauna was our host for the evening and did a fabulous job – despite admitting to nerves. We would never have known and it was an absolute pleasure to meet her.

Photo thanks to Ruth Boote

Talent

Proceedings began with entertainment from the very talented young singer, Mia Lawrie, before the models (including Harry’s lovely sister Emily) started to strut their – very impressive – stuff. First up was Abersoch’s Boudicca and I can safely say we all had a bit of a wish-list going on.

Photo thanks to Ruth Boote

A short break followed with chance to refresh our glasses before being treated to an incredible, gravity-defying dance act from Blush Dance who specialise in pole fitness, burlesque and aerial hoop. It was then on with the show and this time, beautiful outfits from Bramhall’s Sorella – one of our very favourite boutiques. The clothes were gorgeous, as we’ve come to expect from Sorella – and their usual mix of high-profile brands and newer, smaller design houses.

Photo thanks to Ruth Boote

A Great Success

Once the show was over, the lovely models back in civvies and the serious shopping done it was down to the business of the raffle and auction. First, however, the incredibly brave Mario and Debbie spoke movingly about Harry, and just what 1000 Hearts for Harry is aiming to achieve. We also saw precious video footage of Harry growing up, and photos of his all too short life. It’s safe to say many of us shed a tear – and were proud to have been involved in some small way. Well done Esther for an amazing evening for a worthy cause.

Please help in whatever way you can – you never know, it could be someone YOU love who needs a local defibrillator.