Proms dress service proves a perfect fit

Sarah Ogden has launched "Cinderella's" which offers prom dresses for free..

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A MUM who helps make prom princesses' dreams come true says she's been overwhelmed by how her tiara-to-toe gesture has taken off.

Three months ago, Sarah Ogden, from Moorside, hit on the idea of collecting unwanted dresses and offering them out free to those desperate to go to their end-of-school ball.

Following donations of dresses, bags, shoes and tiaras from friends, Sarah approached the Chronicle to help her spread the word and, in her words, the response was "incredible".

Her "Cinderella's" venture led to her being asked to appear on Granada Reports and BBC Radio Manchester and she doubled her stunning prom dress and accessory collection almost overnight thanks to kind-hearted members of the public.

"It's been absolutely amazing," said mum of two Sarah, who is also a mobile dog groomer.

"The response has been incredible and to think I started out with nothing just 12 weeks ago. I can't believe it. I've had a lot of mums donating dresses that their daughters have worn and no longer need. Before the story in the Chronicle I had about 30, now I've got 70!"

Special

Sarah ­- who has been working with schools across the borough to promote her charitable service ­- says even though she started up after prom preparations were well under way, she still managed to loan out between 25 and 30 dresses. And, she added, every one of them not only made the recipients feel special, but her too.

"It was so lovely to see the looks on their faces when the girls tried the dresses on," said Sarah.

"And every single one of them came back as it went out. It was brilliant.

"I've had thank-you cards and flowers. It just feels nice to be able to do something like this. I want these dresses to go to anyone who feels they need one. I haven't got all these dresses to just sit on the rails, I want people to wear them, so just get in touch with me, come along and choose one."

Sarah is now looking at turning her magical wand-waving service into a charity and is busy organising a fundraising ladies' night where people can borrow one of her dresses for the event itself or pop along to view them and reserve for the following year.

"I need to buy a steamer, rail bags and a few other accessories such as tiaras, so it would be good to raise a bit of money to help with that," she said.

Sarah is now busy bagging up the dresses to store until next prom season but says if anyone needs a stunning outfit for whatever occasion to get in touch with her.

She's also keen to hear from any social services and care organisations who think their youngsters would be interested in wearing them.

Call Sarah on 07940-908 772.