Vicky is an inspiration

Vicky Sowerby

AN “inspirational” woman who made a 12-month pledge to wear a different outfit every day and donate her “clothes fund” to charity, has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.

Vicky Sowerby will end her “Make Do Not Spend” challenge on December 1, and has so far raised £3,705 for Oldham Cancer Support Centre.

Besides donating £50 a month to the cause from her own purse, she boosted the proceeds by getting sponsorship and organising a craft fair at Uppermill Civic Hall.

Fashion-conscious Vicky is well known for having a bulging wardrobe, and has raised money for cancer charities for years through running and walking marathons and half-marathons.

To complete the challenge, the 34-year-old, who works as a team manager at Positive Steps, Oldham, is not allowed to buy new or second-hand clothes, shoes, bags or accessories of any sort, nor to borrow or accept any as gifts, but the rules say she can mix and match out of her wardrobe for a different look.

She received multiple nominations, including one from Su Schofield, who said: “Vicky works full time, has a husband and young daughter and still finds the time to give to this challenge.

“Earlier this year she lost her beloved father to cancer, and she still soldiered on with the challenge. She is a truly inspirational woman.”

A surprised Vicky said of her nomination: “I’m overwhelmed, it’s lovely.”

She explained: “Because I have lived in Oldham all my life I did the challenge to give something back.”

Friends and family donated money to Vicky’s fund in memory of her father, Nick Ford, who died in July.

Vicky added: “It’s really nice that people are appreciative, although I didn’t do it for that, I did it for personal reasons.”

Vicky, who is married to Lyndon and has a four-year-old daughter, Isla, posts a daily photograph of her outfit of the day at www.sewabee.co.uk.