DEDICATED followers of fashion in Teesdale have helped pay for vital research into a rare disease affecting a four-year-old boy.
A fashion show was held at M&Co, in Barnard Castle, last Monday night to help fund scientists looking for a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) – a rare and limiting muscle wasting disease. The event was inspired by little Ryan Chidzey, of Gainford, who was diagnosed with the illness last year.
[media=4]
The show was put on, with the help of the clothing store, by Teesdale Lions, which holds events in aid of good causes. Group president Graham Walker said: “We wanted to do something different and we had the idea for a fashion show. M&Co has been really good in lending us the clothing free of charge and Morrisons has donated the nibbles and drinks too. We just want to raise as much money as we can for Ryan – and if we can have a good time that’s a bonus.”
[media=3]
The event saw locals of all ages strut their stuff down a makeshift catwalk in the shop, wearing the latest range of clothing sold by M&Co. They were watched by a crowd of people who paid a small entrance fee. Some £417.50 was totted up at the end of the night. The Lions club said it was”over the moon” .
[media=2]
Mr Walker said: “It costs £170 a day to carry out research into the disease so to fund a few days is brilliant.”
Several members of the Lions became catwalk stars for the evening, including Mr Walker and Bob Garton.
The Lions will be raising money for Ryan all year after hearing of the boy’s fight against the disease last year. Members of the Lions are friends with Ryan’s granddad, Bert Chidzey. “It’s a very worthy cause and it’s local,” said Mr Walker.
[media=5]
Ryan’s sister, Abigail, attended the show, along with his grandmother, Rosalyn Chidzey.
To support Our Fight For Ryan, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/muscular-dystrophy/ourfightforryan
