A Colne deputy headteacher is hoping ladies will say “I do” to a proposal of donating their wedding dresses to a charity close to her heart.
Joanne Edwards, from Sacred Heart Primary School, is on the hunt for old or new, satin or lace, traditional or modern gowns to raise money for Friends of Serenity - which she set up at the end of May 2013 after losing her baby son Luke to Trisomy 13/Patau’s Syndrome.
Her idea to launch a pop-up shop in the coming months came after close friend of the charity Natalie Patterson, donated her dress to raise some cash.
Natalie said: “My family have helped in various different ways with fund-raising for Friends of Serenity, so I wanted to do something significant to help raise some more money. It would only have been hidden away in the wardrobe otherwise.”
The Friends of Serenity charity supports newly bereaved parents by providing them with memory boxes, while also working hard to raise awareness for Trisomy 13 and money for the Serenity Suite conversion at Burnley East Lancashire Women’s and Newborn Centre.
The latest fund-raising venture has so far received plenty of positive feedback via social media - with many people saying they would give up their dress from their big day to drive up funds.
Those who didn’t want to give away their own dress said they would be happy to donate bridesmaid dresses or various other wedding paraphernalia.
Joanne said: “I am so pleased with the response to this wonderful act of kindness. I understand the sentimental value these dresses hold, so I’m thrilled that women want to get involved and help our charity.
“Don’t worry if you think your dress is outdated or needs some TLC - those which don’t sell will be made into angel gowns and pockets for our boxes. We want to be overwhelmed with satin and lace.”
If you want to get involved or donate your dress contact Victoria Gill at victoria@we-love-pr.co.uk or ring 504839.
