Celebrities design tutus to fight loneliness

An inclusive charity has called upon famous faces to help raise money for lonely children, as it celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Bristol-based charity, Flamingo Chicks, has been giving disabled children equal opportunities to explore dance and movement since 2013, hosting activities to help build confidence and creative expression.

The charity's ‘It Takes Two to Tutu’ campaign sees celebrity-designed outfits crafted into real tutus, which are then offered as rewards for donations.

Celebrities taking part include Lorraine Kelly, Carrie and David Grant, Amy Dowden and Jayne Middlemiss.

The charity’s vision is for "a world in which disabled people have the same range of opportunities".

Recent research conducted by the charity revealed many disabled children feel lonely.

To highlight awareness of this issue and enable Flamingo Chicks to raise the vital funds needed to continue their work, the charity has turned to those in the spotlight.

Flamingo Chicks founder and CEO, Katie Sparkes, said: "Loneliness should have no place in the lives of our disabled children.

"The shocking statistics reveal an urgent need for change."

Ms Sparkes added the celebrities' designs "infuse glamour with grace".

Bristolian presenter and Great British Bake Off contestant, Briony May Williams, adorned her tutu with an array of cooking utensils, offset with neon animal print.

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden's tutu adopted a shimmery pink sequin number, emblazoned with Welsh Dragons and daffodils.

Jodie Ounsley, also known as Gladiator Fury, emulated her signature blue braids whilst giving a nod to her cochlear implants, along with some "motivational words that have fuelled [her] journey".

"I'm so passionate about creating opportunities for disabled children to get active and feel empowered," said Ms Ounsley.

"I've embraced my disability as a source of strength, and I hope this tutu serves as a reminder that anything is possible.”