Victoria Emery from Stafford is auctioning more than 50 of her dresses to raise money for Katharine House Hospice, which is supporting her and her family as she lives with multiple system atrophy, a rare incurable illness affecting muscle control and movement.
"I'll be sad to let them go, but happy that they're going for a good cause," Emery said.
Fashion show and auction at Stafford Rangers
The dresses will be sold following a live fashion show at Stafford Rangers Football Club on Sunday. The event will feature everything from casual day dresses to sparkling evening gowns modelled by Emery's friends. Her brother Ken McMullan will serve as auctioneer, while her son will provide music for the catwalk.
"I know what some of these dresses represent," her son said. "I hope that I can remember some of the stories, because I think it adds value to a lot of them. I think she's going to be most upset to see some of them go, but they are going for a very, very worthy cause."
Sponsored walk and fundraising efforts
Members of Emery's family will also complete a sponsored walk along the full length of the Sandstone Trail in Cheshire, a 55km (32-mile) route which begins in Frodsham and finishes in Whitchurch, Shropshire.
An online fundraising page has already raised more than £2,500, with Emery and her family hoping the walk and auction will significantly increase this total.
Katharine House Hospice support
Katharine House Hospice has supported Emery throughout her illness. Staff at the hospice arranged a scuba diving experience at a local pool when they learned about her passion for diving.
"The hospice continues to look after me so well," Emery said. "Donating my dresses feels like a lovely way to give something back and help other people who need the same care and support."
