ENTREPRENEUR Graham Wylie is bringing together screen and sports stars for one of the largest charity events the region has seen.
Fashion Match will see three charities come together at the Newcastle Falcons, in a huge fashion show featuring stars from across the UK including TV star Ralf Little and former Toon legend Rob Lee.
Around £180,000 has already been raised for the three charities – Marie Curie, The Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF) the Chefs Adopt a School Charity – but businessman Mr Wylie, owner of Close House and TSG, hopes to break the £300,000 barrier.
Masterminded by Mr Wylie and businessman Ian Watson of Hadrian Health Care, the March 22 event will see 650 guests entertained by comedian Bobby Davro, the host for the night, and Tony Hadley from Spandau Ballet with his 12-piece band.
Top North East chef Terry Laybourne and a team of leading North East chefs, including Simon Walsh from Close House and Kenny Atkinson from Rockliffe Hall, will put together a spectacular menu for diners on the night.
And guests will also have the opportunity to bid on some amazing auction prizes, including the chance to win a Porsche Boxster.
The Children’s Heart Unit Fund is especially important to Mr Wylie, of Jesmond, Newcastle, because the unit, based at the Freeman Hospital, saved the life of his daughter.
Kiera, now three, has undergone three live-saving operations at the unit, after experts identified a heart defect when she was still in her mother Andrea’s womb.
Graham Wylie, who co-founded Sage, said: “I want to be able to raise as much money as possible for our three special charities.
“Everyone who will be on the catwalk on the night will have given their time, including rehearsals for free, and it promises to be a really exciting evening. We have a number of spectacular auction prizes, great entertainment and few surprises that will make the event one to be remembered”.
Ian Watson said: “I’m staggered by the incredible generosity of the business and professional community in the North East who have got behind this exciting event. We really are going to make a big difference to so many in the region and beyond”.
