FRIENDS swapped stories and clothes as they helped raise more than £1,700 for a charity which aims to prevent breast cancer for future generations.
The fundraising ‘swishing party’ was held at the Knutsford home of Charlotte Gildart-Butler, and was attended by 35 friends.
It was inspired by Charlotte's sister's battle with breast cancer.
Alex Makinson, 47, who lives in Lancashire, has been in remission for 18 months after being treated for breast cancer for the second time in 12 years.
Prevent Breast Cancer is the only UK charity funding ground-breaking research solely aimed at preventing breast cancer for future generations.
It is based at The Nightingale Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital, and can be contacted by calling 0161 291 4400.
Swishing refers to swapping an item or items of clothing or shoes or an accessory with friends or acquaintances.
Friends at the swishing party
Charlotte was hoping to raise £500, but smashed her target, her online donations page – justgiving.com/fundraising/charlotte-gildart-butler1 - raising £1,380 plus £330 in Gift Aid.
Charlotte, a land buyer for Bloor Homes North West at Holmes Chapel, said: “I want to say a huge thank you and share how we raised a huge amount for Prevent Breast Cancer from the swishing party.
“I‘ve received more than £1,700 in donations. We had a huge number of clothes to swish, and raffle prizes, as well as an auction for a weekend stay at our house in north Wales, all for a very worthy cause which is close to my heart, from one evening’s fun activities.
“Friends raised this huge amount from a simple idea, which involved inviting friends to my house to drink prosecco, eat nibbles, bring clothes - two items but more if they could spare - and swap them with other good friends, all for a £20 entrance fee.
“Memorable stories were swapped and discussions were prompted, when and where the clothes were bought, as friends reminisced.
“Upcycling of cherished items was a real bonus to this successful night, and our raffle was supported by generous local businesses in Knutsford, which donated gift vouchers or wine.”
Businesses which supported the event were Diamond Nails, Aprils, Gareth West, Vidal Sassoon, Arthur Lees, Locktons, Brasserie Blanc, Waitrose, Metis Real Estate, Sally Baxendale Beauty and Hair of the Hounds.
Charlotte added: “Holmes Chapel dry cleaners donated a good selection of coats, trousers and clothes from clothing which hadn’t been collected for more than two years, and we were safe in the knowledge the clothes were clean and being recycled.
The Nightingale Centre is at Wythenshawe Hospital
“Thanks to them and to Johnson cleaners in Knutsford, who kindly donated coat hangers to help display all the items.
“You too could gather friends and swish clothes, for your own good charity or just for the fun of it. Swishing and upcycling is good for all, and the bonus is raising money for charity.”
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