Lisa Connell embraces charity chic
Reading the newspapers and watching the news last month you would have seen some of the glorious images from this year’s Royal Ascot. Each year we see how stunning the ladies look and we are in awe of the glamour that returns to the Berkshire racecourse each year.
However, have you ever thought about the stories behind the outfits; it’s not like a red carpet event when they are asked “who designed your dress?” so perhaps you may be amazed by where the clothes did actually come from!
Well that was certainly the case for 31 year old, charity fundraiser Lisa Connell, who was told only days before by her Dad that he was taking her to Royal Ascot! This was both a surprise and a shock for Lisa as this was one of the listed activities on her bucket list!
In 2006, at the age of 27, Lisa Connell was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. Since then she has found through her own personal experience that there is little known about the research, treatments and information available surrounding the illness and it’s cause. Therefore from Lisa’s own battle with the illness she has made it her personal mission to raise £1 million pounds for charity through the business she has created, RentADateForCharity.com and more recently Guardian Angel Events.
As with every woman, as soon as you hear about going to a special event the inevitable question comes to mind “What am I going to wear?!” This was no different for Lisa and living on benefits meant her budget was extremely minimal, but Lisa being Lisa hit the High Street and the charity stores, where she found an outfit perfect for any high calibre event. From three charity shops on her local High Street, Lisa created her look. Items included:
Sasha Shoes - £12 British Heart Foundation, High Barnet
M&S Autograph Suit - £10 Cherry Lodge Charity Shop, High Barnet
Hat - £5 – Barnardo’s High Barnet
Basque – Anne Summers (Lisa’s own)
On the day of the races, Lisa felt amazing and looked fabulous in her cream suit outfit. With so many of us watching the purse strings, why not take a leaf out of Lisa’s book and support your local charity store too and let’s all put on some charity chic!
For more information about Lisa and her work visit her website: lisaconnell.co.uk
