A student-organised fashion show has boosted the funds of the St Andrews-based Association for International Cancer Research by a record-breaking £28,000.
Organisers of the FS 2014 St Andrews Charity Fashion Show made the donation after the staging of the fashion event held at the university’s Lower College lawn on February 15.
FS Director Alastair Ferrans said: “FS was an incredible conclusion to a year of hard work and planning and we’ve been overwhelmed by such positive feedback. I’d like to take the opportunity to thank our guests who attended the show and not
only contributed to the fantastic atmosphere, but helped raise such a meaningful total for our charitable partner AICR.”
Mr Ferrans said that over the past 12 months the St Andrews Charity Fashion Show has been fundraising in order to contribute to AICR’s fund for Dr Gareth Inman and his team at the Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre in Dundee.
He added: “The committee were extremely fortunate to visit Dr Inman at the centre in Dundee and hear of how the donation will go towards fulfilling the £60,000 remainder of his current research grant. FS will make the final contribution supplemented by recent AICR fundraising activities. This is an opportunity to make an extremely important donation and learning how the grant will be utilised has been an inspiration for us all at the St Andrews Charity Fashion Show.”
David Milton, AICR head of fundraising said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure for AICR to be able to work with the FS team this year. The huge effort the committee have all put in is reflected with just how much money has been raised. Thank you to everyone on the FS team and thank you to everyone that donated to the cause.”
The focus for the committee over the past 12 months has been on producing two sell-out events.
Starfields, which brings together acts from around the world to rock Fife as a grand start to Fresher’s week, and the eponymous February fashion show which sees collaboration with sponsors, premier designers and the culmination of the Young Designer Award.
Mr Ferrans added: “The possibility of giving young, British designers the opportunity to grow at a professional level while providing them with a grant that will enhance their career is another fundamental part of the campaign and its continually growing engagement with the world of professional fashion.”
Since it was formed 22 years ago, the St Andrews Charity Fashion Show has raised a total of £380,000 for charity.