South Shields Big Pink Dress fundraiser to take on role of bridesmaid at friends' wedding

Big Pink Dress fundraiser Colin Burgin-Plews in his bridesmaid outfit.

The Breast Cancer Now campaigner, from South Shields, will walk up the aisle in specially-designed bridesmaid dress in support of his friends Heather, 47, and Peter Laurence, 58, who will be tying the knot on Saturday.

The pair who live near Durham, asked Colin to be their bridesmaid to raise funds for the charity in memory of Heather’s mum, June Middlemiss, who battled cancer.

Colin Burgin-Plews has also been known to support Newcastle Pride.

It will be the first time Colin has taken on such a role, having made a name for himself over the years for taking part in charity races and events for the cause wearing his trademark pink dress.

Colin said: “I run marathons, so this is something completely different for me.

“I set a target of £500 for Breast Cancer Now and have surpassed that.

“I have made a special dress for it and it is burgundy with gold rather than pink this time!

“It’s just crazy, it’s getting to the point now where I am asking myself is there anything I wouldn’t do.

“I am looking forward to it. It will be an occasion to remember!”

Taking place at Durham Register Office, the wedding will be even more unique as both Heather and Peter –who run dog training business HPL Canine and Family Holistic Therapy – have asked their clients to bring their dogs along for photographs.

Heather said: “I just asked him on Facebook if he would be my bridesmaid and said that he could use it as a fundraiser to get extra money for the cause.

“I think it will be brilliant.”