Back Up Front Row 2022

20 October 2022

On October 12th 2022 Back Up’s Front row event returned for it’s ninth year.

Supported by our headline sponsors at Howden Group, this year’s event was bigger and better than ever, with a record 280 guests turning up to enjoy an evening of fashion, fun and raising vital funds.

With an eye on sustainability, our stylist Lisa Wisdom focused on creating runway ready, accessible looks using clothing sourced at second hand shops. With many of the pre-loved looks being sourced from charity shops themselves, it was a really meaningful way for our collection to do twice the good. We were so proud to showcase that accessibility in fashion needn’t come at the cost of sustainability. Lisa also styled pieces from adaptive fashion brands E-Portare bags and Smart Adaptive.

The night’s auction also represented a great success. Fabulous live auction prizes, such as a Cornish stay for eight in an exclusive villa, and a custom gown designed by top couturier Stewart Parvin, helped to raise an incredible £50,600 on the night. The online Auction also did exceptionally, with prizes such as a meal cooked at home by Rosemary Shrager, along with world class photographic prints and vintage fashion pieces bringing in over £38,635.

Towards the end of the gala dinner, we also heard directly from Cath Lloyd, who has been involved with Back up since her son had a life changing spinal cord injury in 2017. She told her family’s story to all those in attendance, and really bought Back Up’s mission and impact to life. Cath said; “It was a great honour to be invited as a guest speaker to support this wonderful, meaningful, much needed and forward-thinking charity. Thank you.”

All in all an exceptional evening was had, and all of the money raised will go towards transforming the lives of those affected by spinal cord injury. A massive thank you must go to our incredible headline sponsors, Howden. Without their support we would not have been able to put together such an exciting event, or achieve this record breaking result.