News

EXCITED: Joe Okwesa

A PHOTOGRAPHER who lost his brother to leukaemia 18 years ago, is holding a fashion show to raise money for a charity dedicated to funding research into blood cancers.

Joe Okwesa, whose 30-year-old brother Mark Anthony lost his battle with leukaemia in 1991, held a show last year after he was inspired to combine fashion with fundraising for the charity Leukaemia Reseach.

He says this year the show will be “bigger and better”.

Okwesa told The Voice: “My brother was such a special person so I wanted to put on this event to celebrate his life and raise funds for Leukaemia Research. I want it to be entertaining as well as helping others who have leukaemia."

Models from agency Zebra Models will be taking to the runway at Waterfront Studios in London's Docklands on November 6.

East Londoner Okwesa said: "Last year's event raised an impressive £1,000 as well as making quite a statement in the fashion world. I'm really excited about Expo 09. The new show is bigger and better than ever, featuring work from some great designers."

The troupe of 20 models will be showing off designs from the collections of six respected designers from across the fashion world, including Tony Q'aja and Tracy Rose.

Leukaemia Research director of fundraising, Kate White, said: "It's great Joe has decided to stage another fashion show for us. Last year's event was a fantastic night out. All the money raised will help Leukaemia Research to fund vital research into new treatments and cures for leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma."

Published: 02 November 2009
Issue: 1396

site comments powered by Disqus