Councillor Yvette Hopley supports the British Heart Foundation and the South East Cancer Help Centre.
A stunning charity fashion show hosted by the Mayor of Croydon on Monday night wowed a packed audience as well as raising thousands of pounds for charity.
Along with 12 other mayors from across London, Mayor of Croydon Yvette Hopley descended on the Braithwaite Room in Croydon Town Hall for a sold out evening of glitz and glamour.
All the clothing was provided by Lucinda’s of Purley, including the dress worn by the Mayor, and the jewellery was by designer brand Stella and Dot.
There were 18 models in total, including seven students from Croydon High School.
Each year mayors use their term in office to raise funds for charitable causes.
Councillor Hopley supports two charities: the British Heart Foundation and the South East Cancer Help Centre.
“I regularly buy clothing from Lucinda’s so when she offered to organise the show in aid of my chosen charities I jumped at the chance,” said Councillor Hopley.
“I like to do something different when organising Mayoral events and it’s great to collaborate with independent shops that are still thriving.”
Councillor Hopley (above right, with Jennifer Millet) said both charities are close to her heart as both her parents have had cancer and her brother and father have also suffered from heart conditions.
Jennifer Millett, from South East Cancer Help Centre, said: “Having the Mayor support us gives the charity much needed publicity as it is completely volunteer led and receives no funding. Our aim is to have everyone diagnosed with cancer in the area to know about the centre.”
The mayor said she hoped to raise at least £1000 although an early figure from Lucinda’s owner, 65-year-old Mary Coughlan, estimates the total will be nearer £4000.
Jenny Rayburn, Mrs Coughlan’s daughter, said: “We wanted to do something for local charities and a fashion show is a fun way to do it!”
Lucinda’s has held many successful shows in the past but this is the first time it has been hosted by the Mayor.
The evening also saw young musician Yasmin Yap play the harp. She recently won an award for South East musician of the year and also modelled a Lucinda design.
The next event hosted by the mayor is a St. George’s Day cream tea later this month. For more information go to www.croydon.gov.uk/democracy/themayor/events
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