Feature Interview- Jane Given Did you ever expect Fashion Kicks to grow so big?
How did you feel when you broke through the barrier of raising 1 million pounds last year?
We never imagined that in just eight years we would have raised anywhere near £1million. It never fails to amaze Shay and I as to how generous and willing people are to help and support Fashion Kicks.
It really was a very special
night and personally meant a huge deal to Shay and I.
How has the money raised by Fashion Kicks been spent?
Quite simply the huge amount of money raised means that Macmillan can support and reach more people affected by cancer. More than one in three of us will get cancer, so every day more and more people are facing the toughest fight of their lives and need the Macmillan Team with them every step of the way. We all know about Macmillan nurses, but Macmillan also have therapists helping people through treatment, experts on the end of the Macmillan Support Line, advisers telling people which benefits they’re entitled to, and the Macmillan website is an invaluable support tool for anyone affected by cancer. Shay and I are also incredibly proud of the campaigning work that Macmillan do, always striving to improve cancer care, they are an incredible organisation.
In addition, Fashion Kicks has enabled Beechwood Cancer Care Centre in Stockport to increase its specialised assistance to family members - especially children and teenagers. Fashion Kicks money enabled the refurbishment of extra dedicated space and increased staffing to ensure help and support is offered to anyone affected by cancer or other life limiting illness via one to one talk time and group sessions.
Fashion Kicks has also helped the Chefs Adopt A School project deliver their fabulous food workshops in more primary schools across the UK, encouraging children to develop an essential understanding of ‘taste’ whilst educating them about the pleasures of eating well with fresh natural ingredients.
i rst event here tn 2010, I’d like K o think Fashion a sicks has become t pecial event in
fi Since our lendar
he Manchester casocial
Fashion Kicks is something that I am very proud of and passionate about. Since our first event in 2004, I have worked hard to build on each event year by year, though I could never have expected it to grow quite so big. Since moving Fashion Kicks to Manchester I have been delighted to have formed two fantastic new event partnerships which has helped Fashion Kicks grow from strength to strength. Firstly, with Selfridges who produce the spectacular fashion show at the event and secondly, with The Academy of Culinary Arts which provides the amazing team of Michelin Star Chefs headed up by Paul Heathcote MBE - between them cook up the most fabulous menu! We always have fantastic entertainment at Fashion Kicks and the three events at which Westlife have been so kind to perform at have been particularly special. We have also been fortunate enough to have had the support of so many amazing friends over the years.
Why have you decided to stage the event in Manchester again?
Since our first event here in 2010, I’d like to think Fashion Kicks has become a special event in the Manchester social calendar, which people look forward to. We
have been overwhelmed by the response from friends and supporters, and can’t believe how quickly it has sold out again this year. The North West seems to have really embraced the event, we’re just delighted.
Last year was amazing, how do you top that for 2012?
With each event we have tried to top the last, we want people to have a night they’ll remember for years to come! This year the evening, hosted by wonderful Dawn Porter, will kick off with a glitzy champagne reception followed by a fashion show, hosted by Selfridges, featuring footballers Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany, Adam Johnson, Joleon Lescott, Shay and many more! Guests will then be treated to a lavish dinner created by some of Britain’s leading celebrity chefs and restaurateurs including Paul Heathcote, Nigel Haworth, Paul Rankin, Terry Laybourne and The Ritz’s John Williams. Dinner will be followed by a glittering charity auction with some incredible lots, then finally, and we can’t believe how lucky we are, the guests are in for a very special treat as our good friends Westlife will be performing a special Fashion Kicks set just for us! We’re confident Fashion Kicks 2012 will be the biggest and best yet!
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