Fundraisers strutted their stuff on the catwalk as they raised more than £800 for a charity which seeks to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers.
Friends of Dementia Friendly Parishes around the Yealm recently held a spring fashion show at Kitley House Hotel to help combat rural loneliness and isolation in the area.
The show, saw models Annie Hoskins, Allison Ansell, Ingrid Talbot, Vicky Rose, Jill Heggs and Jacqui Avery donning spring outfits from Diana Boutique in Ivybridge as event goers sipped Prosecco from the sidelines.
As well as participating in the show, Jacqui also organised the event, and is both treasurer and a trustee for the charity.
The hotel provided a two course lunch for all 71 guests in the newly decorated banqueting hall, and then the fashion show was held in the recently refurbished Regency Room.
Many local businesses supported the charity with raffle prizes including Yealm Motor Services, Luscombe Maye, Ben’s Farm Shop, South Hams Brewery, The Ship Inn at Noss Mayo, and the Fraas Scarf Company.
As well, all guests were entered to win a £100 voucher to Diana Boutique, which was won by one lucky lady.
Kitley House Hotel also donated a B&B stay with an a la carte dinner for two at the hotel, which was auctioned off at the end of the fashion show.
Other prizes were donated by Friends of Dementia Friendly Parishes.
Chairman of FDFP Around the Yealm, Liz Hitchins, said: “I’m very pleased to say it was a very successful event raising money for our charity. We would like to thank everyone who came, Kitley House Hotel for hosting and for its support, and people and businesses who donated prizes.
“Also a huge thanks to Diana Boutique owner Debbie Reeves for providing a fun afternoon. All funds raised from the event will directly to the charity to support all five parishes.”
The charity helps people with dementia as well as their carers remain active and involved in their communities, reducing their isolation, by setting up events such as reading group activities, gentle exercise supported by physiotherapists, walking groups lead by trained volunteers, a hobby tree organised by a local artist and sing alongs supported by a local choir master.
Liz also mentioned that the project has received national and international attention and in May the charity’s project will be featured at a conference in Osaka, Japan, where she is planning on attending to speak about the project.