Wedding gowns from over the years to be modelled in fund-raiser

There was a loud rustling noise as a number of girls and women paraded on a makeshift catwalk modelling an assortment of wedding gowns dating back from 1938 to the present day.

The women were rehearsing for a big fund-raising event called Nostalgia: The Way We Wear being held in aid of the Malta Cancer Foundation on November 3 at the Radisson SAS Baypoint, in St George's Bay.

Over 45 wedding gowns from the different decades will be modelled during the one-hour event, which will be followed by lunch.

The gowns will be modelled either by the original bride, their daughters, relatives or volunteer models. The unique dresses vary from short to long flowing tulle, pink satin, lace and silk.

Foundation members Lilian Miceli Farrugia, Claudia Taylor-East, Mary Hilda Camilleri and Marguerite Birch are all working hard towards making the event a success.

Ms Miceli Farrugia's daughter, Mimici Vassallo, came up with the original idea to get women to dust down their wedding gowns for the fashion show in aid of charity.

The organisers have also managed to lay their hands on two wedding faldettas dating back to the late 19th century when women used to get married in a long black skirt and an embroidered shirt embellished with massive gold necklaces.

The money raised from this event will go towards the foundation, headed by Herbert Sultana and Stephen Brincat, which has been a major source of funding for ongoing projects at Sir Paul Boffa Hospital.

It has funded two new oncology wards and is in the process of funding a new and larger chemotherapy unit. It is also paying for high quality CT scans for more precise planning and delivery of radiation therapy.

The foundation has also paid to upgrade and embellish the hospital gardens for the recreation of patients and their relatives.

In the coming year the foundation is hoping to raise enough money to install a solar heating system at Boffa Hospital and do away with the diesel fuelled boilers, saving Lm15,000 a year in fuel expenses in the process.

It is also hoping to raise Lm300,000 to buy and install a CT simulator to maintain a level of service at par with other radiotherapy units throughout Europe.

With the public's help the foundation can achieve its goals to improve the life of those undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Those who wish to attend the fashion show and lunch on November 3 can call on 2298 7163 or contact Sandra Tabone on 9987 6436.

Tickets cost Lm20 each.