Real-life mannequins pose in shop for good causes

A shop window in an East Yorkshire town came alive as real people modelled outfits instead of mannequins in a bid to raise money for charity.

Among the 40 models standing in the window of Alec W. G. Hall in Driffield on Saturday, at different times of the day, were MP Charlie Dewhirst and independent councillor Mark Blakeston, who is living with stage four prostate cancer.

The fundraiser was organised by store owner Mark Edwards, who said the event raised more than £3,000 for various charities including those for cancer, heart disease and mountain rescue teams.

"We are so overwhelmed with the success of our live mannequin event, it was amazing," he said.

"I am a little bit taken aback at how much people have got involved and how enthusiastic they've been, and some of the banter that's been going around on social media about what people might be wearing or might not be wearing, who's raising money for whom."

Edwards said the event created a "really positive atmosphere" in the town.

"People have been smiling and waving and the local fish and chip shop went for it and had a big crowd outside," he said.

The human mannequins had half hour timed slots during the day where they stood in the window dressed in an outfit of their choice.

Dewhirst, the Conservative MP for Bridlington and The Wolds, opted for a black tie number, while Blakeston went all out in top hat and tails to raise cash for Prostate Cancer UK.

"I'm doing this to support all dads, brothers, partners and friends – by raising awareness, funding lifesaving research, campaigning for change and providing helpful support and information" he said.

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