RUGBY players have swapped conversions for the catwalk to promote a charity fashion show.

Darlington Mowden Park rugby club is hosting the event at The Northern Echo Arena on Friday, April 12, to raise funds for the Tiny Lives and Sick Children’s Trust charities.

Tiny Lives supports the Neo Natal unit at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) that look after babies who are born prematurely or are very ill.

The Sick Children’s Trust provides accommodation at the RVI for parents to stay close while the hospital treats their sick baby or child.

The fashion show is being organised by a group of colleagues from Capita in Darlington, after the two charities played a big part in the lives of some of the staff there.

A spokeswoman for the group said: “Our two charities came up trumps when premature twins were born to colleagues.

“Following their birth, one of the twins was rushed to the RVI with severe breathing difficulties while the other one was taken into Darlington Memorial Hospital.

“That ambulance journey was touch and go and the parents had to split themselves to support both children.

“The twins thankfully survived but only after some weeks spent in hospital.”

Although rugby players will not take part in the fashion show, they were on hand to help promote the event in a photoshoot at the ground on Tuesday (April 2) evening.

Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Tickets cost £7.50. To book, call 07970-327-027.

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