Charity Prom Fashion Show promises supersonic sparkle!

Teenagers from Greater Manchester schools are being invited to strut their stuff under the wings of Concorde at the first spectacular charity Prom-themed fashion show, 'Runway on the Runway'.

The event, taking place at Manchester Airport’s Concorde Visitor Centre on 21 March 2013, is the brainchild of Cheshire Mum of four Margo Cornish, who was inspired by a combination of her own daughters’ enthusiasm for attending Proms and her work as a volunteer for Make-A-Wish dealing with teenaged cancer patients.

Since the concept was created, Margo has enlisted the support of big name stores and global fashion brands, as well as top shoe, hair and make-up brands and local firms, to stage the event free of any costs – meaning every penny raised will go directly to the charities – Make-A-Wish, Teenage Cancer Trust and Medcare, the airport’s own charity.

“As a mother of healthy, vibrant teenagers I find it especially poignant meeting teenagers with cancer, which is why I wanted to raise money and awareness of the issues they face by creating an event they could relate to,” explained Margo.

With ‘Prom’ as the theme, the event aims to grab the imagination of every teenaged girl in Greater Manchester, whilst raising awareness about the difficulties facing some of their peers who are seriously ill at this key time in their teenage lives.

A highlight of the evening will be a special runway featuring current and former young oncology patients, sponsored by Harvey Nichols. One of the models will be 15 year old wish child Olivia Cork, who recently lost her right leg to an aggressive form of bone cancer. Taking part in this event has given Olivia the motivation and determination to gain full mobility using her new artificial leg. This event is particularly special for Olivia, who is one of triplets, as she will be attending her own Prom in 2013.

There will be a competition for budding designers to create a Prom dress, with the finalists attending a special masterclass with Manchester designer Vicky Martin. Vicky and her team will coach them on how to take their designs from the drawing-board to the cutting room, with the chance to have their own designs modelled on the catwalk during the event.

Margo, who used to work as a Senior HR Manager in the NHS, said: “Runway on the Runway isn’t just about making one night when Manchester will sparkle – the next six months leading up to the event will provide opportunities for teenagers to learn new skills. Today’s employment market for young people has never been so challenging. For any young person wanting to aim for a career in retail, fashion, beauty or design, their involvement in Runway on the Runway will surely give their CV the X factor.”