A FUNDRAISING fashion show has raised almost £2,000 for a Northern Echo campaign to mark the centenary of the First World War.

Help for Heroes-run Phoenix House recovery centre in Catterick Garrison, which provides physical, mental and emotional support for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, held its second fashion show earlier this month as part of the Echo’s £100,000 For Our Heroes appeal.

The Phoenix House fashion show saw members of Band of Brothers and Band of Sisters – groups which provide lifelong support for service personnel, veterans and family members – take to the catwalk in what was an inspirational and emotional evening.

The show raised £1,767 for the appeal, which is aiming to provide a performing arts facility at Phoenix House, with the raffle raising £924, and £82 coming from collection buckets.

Organiser Lucy Wray, regional Band of Brothers and Band of Sisters coordinator for Help for Heroes, said: “The evening was a huge success - extremely emotional.

“The members Band of Brothers and Sisters were absolutely fantastic as models. It takes a huge amount of courage to get up in front of an audience and walk up and down the catwalk and the fact that they conquered physical or mental issues to do that was inspiring for everyone watching and supporting.

“To raise so much money for the charity was the icing on the cake.”

Band of Sisters member Louise Jordan added: “Not only did being a model in the fashion show at Phoenix House grant a childhood wish, it enabled me to establish contact with those that work and attend the recovery centre.

“As a new member I am excited but also apprehensive about meeting everyone and this was a fun way to become involved and feel part of the team.”

To donate to the Northern Echo’s £100,000 appeal for a performing arts centre at Phoenix House, visit www.bmycharity.com/100kfor100yearsNorthernEchoAppeal; or donate by cheque, accompanied by the form at www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/resources/files/31397, to Phoenix House, Richmond Road, Catterick Garrison, DL9 3AW.

It is important that you use the form in order to ensure that your donation is ring-fenced for Phoenix House.

The Northern Echo is publishing a special edition on Remembrance Sunday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.

World-renowned Middlesbrough-born artist Mackensie Thorpe is producing a piece of work which will be used for the front cover of the newspaper and 10p for for every copy sold will go to the Phoenix House appeal.