Dazzling dresses and gorgeous gowns gifted to a fancy dress shop in Cambridge have sparked a £500 donation to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The elegant array of more than 150 garments belonged to Betty Dickerson, a long-time supporter of the charity, who died in October 2023, aged 97.
Daughter Nolly Challis kept them at home but started sorting through her mum’s collection earlier this year, donating the bulk to be sold at Wardrobe, in Cromwell Road.
She then struck a deal with owner Leslie Symondson, who offered to make a £500 donation to EACH.
“Mum had a huge wardrobe of stunning cocktail dresses and evening ballgowns – the kind you rarely see these days,” said Nolly, 68.
“She looked beautiful in them, having built up quite a collection because she used to accompany dad, a businessman, to civic events at the Guild Hall, in Cambridge.
“They also went on cruises together, loved going to dinner-dances and were members of the Cambridge Motor Boat Club.
“I’ve been keeping her dresses safe since she moved into a care home in 2020, starting to sort through them earlier this year.
“I gave some away and tried selling a few to vintage boutiques around the country.
“Then I hit the bullseye by meeting Leslie. She was so enthusiastic, and I’m thrilled mum’s dresses have started finding new homes.
“They’ve hung in my wardrobe for so long, and now they’ve been given a fresh lease of life.”
After ferrying two carloads to Wardrobe, Nolly and Leslie hatched a plan to donate £500 to EACH.
“It was mum’s favourite charity and one she supported most of her life, having spent much of her childhood and teenage years in Milton,” said Nolly.
“She worked in the post office, she and dad married at the village church and mum’s buried in the parish cemetery near the hospice.
“It was a charity that meant so much to her, and she donated £26,500 during her lifetime, including £25,000 after selling the family business in 2010.
“She was also very family-oriented and loved nothing more than spending time with her three children, four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.”
Leslie, planning to retire soon, having run Wardrobe for 42 years, said she was equally delighted to support EACH.
“Even before Nolly told me about her mum, EACH would have been my choice, too,” said the 79-year-old.
“I’ve always been a great admirer, so this arrangement was meant to be.
“I’m happy to help, and hopefully our donation makes a difference to the children and families receiving care and support.
“The dresses are beautiful, and I have so much respect for Nolly.
“Sorting through a late parent’s clothing is such a hard thing to do, but she’s done it with such dignity and purpose.”
