Tag Archives: charity

Nov 15 2020
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I’m Published!

A Spray of Hope is now available on Amazon with proceeds from sales of the anthology go to NHS charities in the Merseyside area.

Writing in lock down as followed the same roller coaster pattern as my mental health. Some days I’ve battered out 100 or more words, other days I can’t even remember my WordPress log in details. I’ve been flooded with inspiration and so lacking I’ve turned to Pinterest blog prompts. There’s no rhyme of reason.

However, a tweet from The Literature and Science Hub at University of Liverpool sparked an idea, and now, just a few months later, I am bursting with pride to say its grown into an actual published work.

A Spray of Hope, poetry and prose from lockdown 2020 is an anthology comprised of works from NHS staff, key workers and self isolating members of the public. We all took part in a ‘Writing for Wellbeing’ initiative which offered us a chance to connect nature and technology to our every changing situations. We wrote about family, community, love, loss, mental health and hope for a brighter future, post pandemic.

It’s a moving read.

My own submission focused on a place in my family home, where I spent most of my teen years. Before mobile phones. The soundtrack to my after school free time was dial up internet and the early showing of Neighbours. I’d hog the house phone, talking to friends I’d left just moments earlier at school. Forever being stepped on or over, as I took up position on the third stair. The house phone stretched just far enough to wind the cable around my fingers. Simpler times, yet devastating news still found a way to reach us and change our lives forever.

As you will read in blog posts to follow, October was the catalyst for a truly devastating time for my family. The NHS is an organisation very close to my heart. I’m proud to say that something I have created will play a very small part in supporting NHS staff and volunteers in their daily lives for the incredible work they do.

A Spray of Hope: Poetry and Prose from Lockdown 2020 is now available on Amazon, here. It’s just £6.00 and will make a lovely wintertime read.

I hope you like it.

Huge thanks to Bernadette, Sam and all involved in creating this fantastic snapshot of real life in 2020. It’s such a privilege to have been involved.

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Apr 27 2018
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Fear of Flying

Alright so straight off, I’m not scared of flying, I love nothing more than starting my holiday at The Kissing Gate at LJLA with a glass of prosecco before being crammed into a tiny seat with no space for my long legs…..

I am however utterly terrified of taking the first step off the top of the Radio City Tower (St John’s Beacon), backwards on Friday 4th May 2018. Which as far as I’m concerned, is about as close to experiencing flight as you can get.

 

Jay and the team at The Guide Liverpool totally duped me into volunteering for this charity challenge, and don’t get me wrong, Cash for Kids deserves all the help and fundraising it can get to help disadvantaged kids and their families in our local area. I’m just absolutely bricking it.

Friday 4th May 2018 is Superhero Day for Cash for Kids and the Skyfall abseil is just one of many fundraising activities happening on the day. The icing on the cake for me is that I’m (hopefully) completing my free fall abseil at silly o’clock in the morning with my fabulous friend and fellow Guide Liverpool presenter, Claire Simmo. She’ll be laughing her head off, no doubt dressed as Robin/Harley Quinn, or bloody Tinkerbell, while I’ll be more concerned about not losing a Nike trainer or indeed my stomach when I approach that roof edge.

Kate and Simmo

It’s a 452ft drop, and I’d really love to hand Cash for Kids £452 for the opportunity of a lifetime to see the city like never before……and likely never again!

If you can spare £2, seriously, £2 is more than enough to reach my total before next week, please head to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/superkatejames and do something amazing for those in need.

Thanks so much x

 

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Apr 10 2017
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Woodlands Hospice Bunny Run 2017

On Sunday I got my face painted, donned a pair of rather fetching bunny ears, pinned on a fluffy tail ran 3.2 miles at the Woodlands Hospice Bunny Run 2017.

Croxteth Park had never looked so utterly stunning, bathed in early Spring sunlight, the hall itself was a hive (or should that be warren?) of activity as fundraisers, runners and tonnes of dogs, came together to support this Woodlands Hospice fundraising event.

bunny run

Roped in by my friend and organiser, Pauline Cox, I signed up to run the 5k course with the lovely Michelle and Kerry and French bulldog Oscar (who completely won the day by being ridiculously cute!). We (just about) got through the warm up with PT Mark Riley before limbering up on the start line.

Bunny run two

Woodlands Hospice Charitable Trust is an independent charity committed to delivering the best possible practice and development of Specialist Palliative Care for people with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses with complex needs. It honours people’s right to dignity and respect at whatever stage of their illness by its aim to improve the quality of life for patients and their families

Woodlands Hospice

More than 50 runners, old and young turned out to support this amazing cause alongside a team of the most encouraging and smiley volunteers who clapped and cheered every single runner to the finish line. The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Roz Gladden handed out medals to all the participants and laden down with Easter eggs and goody bags we set off for ice creams, fair rides and a well earned sit down.

If you’d like to get involved with raising much needed funds for Woodlands Hospice, click here to check out what events are coming up.

 

 

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Apr 01 2017
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The Lord Mayor of Liverpool’s Charity Fashion Show 2017

On Thursday evening 8 of my friends took to a catwalk and strutted their stuff to a classic Whitney track……and I teared up with pride.

The Lord Mayor of Liverpool (the lovely Roz Gladden) hosted the third annual fashion show which raises vital funds for four local charities and also gives aspiring designers, models, make up artists and event managers an opportunity to roll up their sleeves and experience it first hand.

Landgirls

I signed up to create and show a collection back in September 2016 and the biggest lesson I have learned from the whole experience is that leaving absolutely everything – including the actual making of the clothes, until 24 hours before hand, is not a good idea.

Models

However, three sewing machines, two acrylic nails and the best sister in the world later  (thank you so much Cazzy), a mini collection of 13, 1940’s Land Girl Army inspired pieces, was born. Who doesn’t love a head scarf and a winged eye liner on a Thursday night?

MDAM-B2

Having grown up as an ‘Army brat’, married into the RAF and more recently worked closely with 156 Regiment in Allerton, I felt that the armed forces theme was the way forward, and my second thank you is to Maj Laurence Roche, who very kindly donated his mess jacket (Which I wore) and tartan trousers (worn by Cath Bore), which inspired the rest of the collection.

drunk

I specifically asked friends of all ages, heights and shapes to model my collection. What society calls ‘real women’. Ensuring there was a range of sizes from 6-16 was important to me, as was empowering my models to go out into the limelight and own the catwalk. No sullen faces, but plenty of attitude, a bit of a dance and ear to ear smiles.

megan

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the girls who battled nerves, victory curls and my wonky-tailoring, to show the 150+ crowd of smiling faces, just how utterly amazing you are. Thank you Cath, Leanne, Steph, Caroline, Paige, Meg, Deanna, Ashleigh and Michelle.

caz

For the first time I truly appreciated just how much make up and hair makes a collection really pop. Thank you to Hayley and Ashleigh for creating razor sharp, sultry flicks, red lips and victory curls that brought everything together. You absolutely nailed your first show, and Ashleigh even ended up modelling for me too! Legends!

It all came together at the very last minute – as these things tend to do. Kudos and huge thanks to Andrew, Anna and Emma – seasoned pro’s at smashing out breath-taking runway looks as standard!

hayley and ashleigh

A few people to thank:

To my three beautiful children – I almost broke under the pressure so many times, trying to juggle everything, be a good mum, progress at work, do my small bit for charity. I don’t always get the balance right, but coming home every day to hear you all arsing about, giggling makes it all worth while. Love you millions x

Emma for the best show day surprise I could ever have imagined and for supporting me every step of the way and at all hours of the day and night.

Jay at The Guide Liverpool for allowing me to shirk work for a few days to create the collection and also show it on the night. John at The Guide Liverpool for filming all the action and not being phased by half-naked models running about!

Thank you to Andy and Geoff at 156 Regiment for the loan of the berets and flags. I’ve never been so nervous of borrowing something so precious!

Paul, Pauline, Tash and especially little Kaidie, thank you for being there to support us all on the night x

deanna

My biggest thanks and admiration are to Jodie McShane. I have no idea what I’d have done without you and considering we’d not met before, you read my mind and kept everything running smoothly when I was flapping! I’m really looking forward to working with you again.

Lord Mayors Fashion Show

Led by the lovely Sofia Spencer, the show ran smoothly and raised just over £1400 for the Lord Mayor’s charities. To see all the official photos from Ian Williams and Andy Forster and video clips of The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Roz Gladden realising her daughter was on the catwalk……click here. Also check out my Gallery page for all the backstage pics and shenanigans too!

Same again next year?

x

 

 

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Mar 09 2017
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Sorry I’m Late…..

Slightly disgusted that it’s taken me until March 9th to post my first blog of 2017, but in all honesty, I’m late for most other things too.

Hello! Happy New Year, Happy Australia Day, Valentine’s Day and whatever else I’ve missed in the last few weeks. Assume you’ve all completely abandoned any New Years resolutions by now and are, like me, pretending to have a go at Lent instead? As well as being late for stuff I’m also incredibly undisciplined.

Moving swiftly on….

Global Scouse Day

2017 has been epic so far. I’m rushed off my feet with work as The Guide Liverpool goes from strength to strength. I’ve stepped in front of the camera on a number of occasions and (thanks to our ridiculously talented videographers) it looks like I did an okay job! Check out all the action from Global Scouse Day here. (Ps, scouse pizza is the bomb).

Lord Mayors Fashion Show

I’m (just about) still on course to show a capsule collection of military chic couture at The Lord Mayor of Liverpool’s Charity Fashion Show on March 30th at the Devonshire House Hotel. I’ve absolutely no idea how I’ve pulled this off because there really aren’t enough hours in the day to keep up!

Titanic

I did manage a little trip over to Belfast with my curly girl a couple of weekends ago. We had a ball exploring the city together and spending the best part of £50 on tacky gifts to bring back home. You can read our very serious review here.

Radio City Cash for Kids

Looking ahead, I’ve just become ‘Face 38’ in the Radio City Cash for Kids 1000 Faces Campaign. The charity are looking for 1000 local faces to sign up and raise just £100 each for local children and their families facing hardship. It’s an incredibly worthy cause, I’ve pledged my support and you can too here. Alternatively just give me some change or you know, like £100 the next time we meet up. That would be great thanks.

mathew street

Aside from work I’ve been back on the dating scene, which let me enlighten you, in your 30’s is an entirely different ball game to being 21 and full of confidence! Luckily Liverpool is an amazing city for a night out and any place you can dance your little heart out to an 80’s covers band until 2am on a Tuesday morning is alright with me….and him.Eric’s Mathew Street – You guys rock!

mcm comic con

I’m ridiculously excited to be reporting on MCM Comic Con Liverpool this weekend (March 11-12) and cant wait to be surrounded by passionate people (including my curly girl, mad RWBY fan) who nail their cosplay costumes every single time! How many Jokers do you reckon I can get a selfie with? Check out all the details of which TV stars are attending here.

mib awards dress

So lucky to be working with designer Alice James again after she ‘dressed’ me for last year’s Merseyside In Business Awards. This time I’m attending the James Bulger Memorial Trust Black Tie and Tiara Ball in support of my lovely friend, Jay Hynd as he hosts the star studded event, and Alice James has stepped in to help me update a vintage gown I fell in love with over a year ago…..all will be revealed on March 18th at the Crowne Plaza, Pier Head.

There’s tickets still available and if supporting the charity isn’t enough to make you snap up a ticket, boyband 5ive are headlining the entertainment! Tickets here.

Just don’t be late!

 

 

 

 

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Apr 04 2016
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The Lord Mayor of Liverpool Spring Fashion Show 2016

The 2nd Annual Lord Mayor’s Spring Fashion Show took place at the Devonshire House Hotel, Edge Lane on Thursday night.

A wealth of home-grown talent brought the charity event to life with every aspect of the show, from hair and make-up to the designers and models, native to the North West.

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Tony Concepcion and his wife Ann greeted guests and thanked the audience for turning out to support their chosen charities, Ronald McDonald House at Alder Hey, Kind and Listersteps. IMG_6737

The Lord Mayor gave a passionate speech about the importance of helping local families to cope with difficult situations and how the kind and compassionate people of Liverpool is what makes the city so great.

The catwalk kicked off with sumptuous velvet evening gowns from Karen Gold. Erica Wildflower, Julie Kaye and Ria Jewels completed the first half of the show with unique collections featuring festival kaftans, Woodstock style summer wear and funky club wear.

Singer Sophia Spencer wowed the audience during the interval with her smooth, soulful vocals as guests were given the chance to browse a selection of exhibitor stands selling designer accessories, jewellery and cosmetics.

The second half of the show was dedicated to emerging talent as art students at the City of Liverpool College and Holly Lodge Girls’ College, got their first taste of the Liverpool Fashion scene.

The Mad Hatters of Holly Lodge, who were kindly funded by the Liverpool Decorative and Fine Art Society, were the youngest designers to debut a collection on the professional catwalk, and they did not disappoint.

With just four months to master the tricky skill of hat making, or millinery, the year 12 and 13 students stepped up to the challenge, supported by a fantastic teaching team and created 15 weird and wacky pieces from a Medusa-style snake headdress and top hat to a snow-globe Alice-band and a bejewelled peacock skull cap.

Directed and produced by a winning partnership between Amanda Moss PR and The Lord Mayors Charity Committee, both of which are dedicated to providing opportunities for the city’s young people, the event was a great success with funds raised through ticket sales and raffles on the night.

Lots of photo’s in the Gallery section here. Thank you to Emma Lampkin for allowing me to share her images.

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Jul 21 2015
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Friday Night Thrift

Guys and girls of the world wide interweb…I need your help. No…no…I don’t want money….nor do I want to take up your spare time to wash cars, bake cakes or sell raffle tickets…..but I do want your old clothes….or rather the lovely people at Wex and Golden Square Coffee on Wood Street, Liverpool do for their charity clothing drive and sale.

I would love to see you on Friday 24th July from 7pm with a big ol’ bag of great quality unwanted men’s or women’s clothing of any size. 100% of the profits are going to Liverpool‘s leading homeless and housing charity,The Whitechapel Centre, and what they cant sell online they will donate to their charity shop…which opens soon. The Whitechapel Centre do a phenomenal job helping those in need of support in our great city. From their open access center offering showers, laundry services and breakfast to a safe place to sleep and ongoing housing support. The center have posted on their Facebook page asking for any good quality shirts and suits that might just give someone the confidence they need to attend an interview…and get the ball rolling towards a brighter future.  IMG_5356

So, whats that you say?…..Summer holidays….no baby sitter…..girls night out……date night with your bae……no bother at all. If you have a pair of jeans, any sports wear, shirts, suits basically anything with plenty of wear left in it….any size….drop me a line and I’ll come and collect it. It takes as much effort as making a cuppa to have a quick rifle through your wardrobe and fire me a quick email or whatsapp to arrange collection (Within the Liverpool area only) Minimal effort….maximum effect!

Also, if Friday is date night and you’ve not yet made plans, swing by Golden Square Coffee, pull up a pew, soak up the atmosphere, live music, DJ’s and craft beers…right in the heart of the city center…. or if you love vintage fashion, one of a kind garments or simply a bargain…come take a look…..I’ll see you there.

If you’d like to know more about any of the organisations involved click here.

Thanks in advance you lovely lot!

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