South Shields Big Pink Dress Fashion Show raises thousands for charity

The Big Pink Dress Fashion Show was held at The Steamboat in Mill Dam, South Shields, on Sunday, in aid of Breast Cancer Now. and drew the crowds.

Organised by pub manager Kathleen Brain and charity runner Colin Burgin-Plews - known as ‘The Big Pink Dress man’ - the event smashed its initial target of around £1,000.

Kathleen says she is delighted that so many people packed out the pub to watch the volunteers strut their stuff on the catwalk.

She said: “It was an absolutely brilliant day and we raised a lot of money for Breast Cancer Now. It will be around £2,000 when all the sponsor cash comes in.

“It was such a laugh from start to finish and everyone got really behind everyone and thoroughly enjoyed it.”

She added: “A huge thanks is due to all the lads who took part, the very generous regulars, the lovely people who donated prizes and last but not least the hard working staff.”

The event was supported by Ashley Timber, The Bravi, Ed’s Autos and Melissa Kay Photography.

Those who took part include Chris Coffey, Gordon Cossey, Brian Clifford, Chris Allen, Alan Cowell, Ian Smith, Ian Carr, Stephen Sullivan, Andy Swalwell, Darren Wilkey, Martin McManus, Jon Green and Martin Hogg.

A calendar featuring the men will be released later in the year with all proceeds going to the charity.

Colin was also pleased with the event which saw him make half of the dresses himself. The rest were made by Amy Smith of Kitty O’Hara’s Corsetry and Couture, in Westoe Road, South Shields.

He said: “It was fantastic.

“Everyone was terrified when they were waiting to come out, especially when I said they had to be on stage for at least a minute, but in the end you couldn’t get half of them off!

“It was a great day, and we raised nearly £2,000, so I am pretty happy with that.

“A big thank you to Kathleen at The Steamboat. If it wasn’t for her and our suppoters, it could never have happened.”