Published Date:
25 November 2009
Sunderland's soccer stars swapped the pitch for the Black Cat-walk on Monday and scored a winning goal when they helped raise thousands for the SAFC Foundation. Cara Houchen reports.
Fashion Strikes has attracted star attention since its first successful event last year.
It's now an annual event at the Stadium of Light and this week saw the likes of Nyron Nosworthy, Anton Ferdinand and Lorik Cana hang up their predators and slip into some Prada as they strutted their stuff in front of hundreds of eager fans.
The stars were joined by other celebrities including Jayne Middlemiss and Tony Jeffries and they were styled by Reds and dressed from head to toe in designer threads from the latest collection at JulesB.
The award-winning store based in Jesmond, Newcastle, dressed the models last year and owner Julian Blades was pleased to be part of the glamorous event again.
"It was great fun last year," he said. "And I'm happy to be doing it this year. It's great to be part of the Sunderland scene and be part of a good cause.
"There are a lot of excited lads back stage – some real characters. They were all up for it, which is great to see. But particularly Anton and Nyron, they love to strut their stuff on the catwalk. They are great ambassadors for the club and the clothes that we sell."
Guests were treated to a champagne reception when they arrived before tucking into a three course meal while they waited for the main event.
The players didn't disappoint. Once on stage they gave the audience – particularly the women – a real show.
New boy Frazier Campbell made his debut in the fashion world at the charity night, but he made it clear how important events like this are to raise money and help the local community.
The 22-year-old said: "I've been looking forward to it. It's a bit different to what we normally do but it's for a good cause."
"I'm not nervous," he added. "It's been fun so far and hopefully I won't fall over!
"It's great to give a little bit back to the kids and the community as they give us so much support. I've done a few things for the Foundation and it's nice to meet some of the kids and hopefully have a positive influence on them."
The striker was joined by fellow newcomer Lorik Cana. The Albanian has played all over Europe but has been touched by the Sunderland supporters.
He said: "I'm really enjoying being here, the people are really warm – they are great fans.
"Football comes first as it's my job but it's most important to take part in these events to raise money for the charity. It's always good to help people who need it.
"I've modelled before with other clubs so I'm not nervous. I'll just show off the clothes, smile and be happy."
More entertainment followed when Andy Reid took centre stage for the second year running and serenaded the crowd with his own renditions of Snow Patrol and Beatles classics. There was also surprise entertainment when X-Factor finalists Miss Frank brought the star studded evening to a close.
Last year the event raised £16,000 which went straight into the Sunderland AFC Foundation.
Each year, the Foundation helps more than 30,000 children across the area and recently won the national Kickz Club Achievement Award, beating 39 other Premiership and football league clubs in the process.
Lesley Spuhler, SAFC Foundation's chief executive officer, said: "All the players and the club have been extremely supportive.
"Tables were a sell out and there has been lots of hard work behind the scenes, so its great to see it all come together.
"Last year we raised £16,000 and we hope to top that this year."
Read more in today's Echo
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Last Updated:
25 November 2009 9:08 AM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Sunderland