OLYMPIC gold medallist ice skater, Jayne Torvill, visited Hailsham this morning (Saturday) to donate over 30 dresses from her time as a judge on ITV’s Dancing on Ice to Demelza.
Jayne, who has been a passionate ambassador of the charity for over 20 years, previously donated a selection of dresses to Demelza back in 2020, where they took centre stage at a Glitz and Glamour promotional campaign at Demelza’s Hailsham shop back in 2020.
The campaign showcased preloved dresses and occasion wear, as well as bags and accessories, highlighting the importance of beautiful but sustainable fashion.
This year, specially selected dresses will be on sale at Demelza shops in Rochester, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Orpington and Hailsham, where Jayne visited today to launch the sale.
Jayne Torvill said: “As one of Demelza’s proud ambassadors, I’m delighted the dresses will be put to good use raising funds for the children and their families supported by this amazing charity, as well as raising awareness of the work Demelza does across Kent, East Sussex and South East London.”
The dresses range from designer through to high street brands and come in a myriad of colours and lengths, perfect for prom, weddings and special occasions.
Tim Chichester, shop manager at Hailsham, said: “As a charity, Demelza is almost entirely dependent on the generosity of its supporters to provide the funds that keep its services going so a huge thanks to Jayne for this generous donation and the opportunity for one of our supporters to buy a piece of TV history! These beautiful dresses will be the star of the Hailsham branch so do come along and check out the dresses and browse the fabulous stock we have on display!”
Demelza has 30 shops across the southeast and the charity raises funds through sales of donated books, memorabilia, furniture, vintage clothing, bridal gowns, children’s fashion and household items. Income generated goes towards providing practical and emotional support, creative therapies, and care towards the end of life for children and young people with serious or life-limiting conditions, and their families.
The charity is also calling for volunteers to help out in its shops across the southeast – whether you are a student, recently retired or want to gain some experience in retail, Demelza can offer you the opportunity to meet like-minded people, expand your experience and add to your CV.
If you would like to volunteer to help at the shop, even for just a few hours a week, then please contact Demelza’s volunteering team via its website at https://www.demelza.org.uk/work-with-us/volunteering or call 01795 845170 or further information.
