Calling all brides: get your wedding dress at discount price and help charity

Glasgow store Sarah Louise Bridal, based in Hope Street, has donated a selection of wedding dresses and accessories to Children's Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) to help the charity raise the funds it needs to continue providing specialised hospice care to young people.

The brand new gowns, which would usually sell for up to £2000, are to go on sale at the Byres Road shop tomorrow during a special wedding-themed late night opening, with a price tag of between £200-£500.

The 10 dresses include designs by Maggie Sottero, Stella York and Justin Alexander. There are a variety of dresses on sale, from princess styles to fish tail and chiffon.

There will also be shoes, veils, bridesmaid and mother-of-the-bride outfits plus wedding accessories.

Lorraine MacLennan, owner of Sarah Louise Bridal, said she was inspired by a friend to help out CHAS after she saw the work they do.

peach bridesmaid dress

She said: "I have a very close friend who was involved with CHAS and she asked me to come on board.

"I just think they are a wonderful charity. We were honoured to work with them.

"And we're asking girls to come along and have a look at these beautiful dresses - they may just find the wedding dress of their dreams.

"For us it's just about raising money for less fortunate children and making their lives that little bit more comfortable."

Mother-of-two Lorraine started out working in the bridal industry more than 20 years ago for Rebecca Buchan, who owned the store with her husband Stewart.

The 51-year-old from Bishopbriggs worked behind the scenes doing administration work.

Over the years Lorraine gained more responsibility and became a larger part of the store.

When Roberta and Stewart announced they were retiring about seven years ago, Lorraine took over the shop with her husband David, 52, who was retiring from the police force.

She re-named the store after her daughter Sarah and her mother Louise, who had recently died of breast cancer.

Lorraine said: "When the opportunity came up to take over the shop it was my husband who said we should go for it.

"I love it, it's my passion. There is nothing better than helping women make a decision for their gown.

"I didn't expect to take over a business but it's been fantastic and a real learning curve."

Rebecca Addison, CHAS at Byres Road shop manager, praised Lorraine for giving the dresses to the charity.

She said: "To be able to offer our supporters such great quality items at good value is fantastic, the dresses are absolutely gorgeous and there is something in all shapes and sizes.

"We're really looking forward to the event and hope to be able to help some lucky ladies have an extra special wedding day

"The money raised from the evening will be put to good use, funding care for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions and in supporting their families too."

The event starts Thursday April 9 at 6.30pm at CHAS, 135 Byres Road.

All proceeds will go towards funding services provided by CHAS which runs two hospices: Robin House in Balloch and Rachel House in Kinross.

Lorraine and members of her team will be there on the night to help with fittings.

Photographs taken at Garfield House Hotel, Cumbernauld Road, G33 6HW. Thanks to hotel staff on the day.

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