AN aspiring fashion designer is following her dreams after putting her career on hold for over a decade.
Student Kirsty Thompson, from Ryhope, began studying fashion ten years ago but was unable to complete her studies after she became housebound with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
However, two years ago, she took the plunge and returned to full time education – and has now been chosen to create a gown for the Mayor of Sunderland.
The 30-year-old is in the final year of her fashion degree at the University of Sunderland and has quit her job at Virgin Money to pursue her passion.
Ms Thompson volunteered to create the Mayor of Sunderland’s gown for the annual Mayor’s Ball and was delighted to be selected.
She said: “Designing and creating the Mayor’s dress has really catapulted me into the real world, but thanks to my background in sewing, and my studies in design, I am really confident.”
After graduation the student is planning to go freelance as a dress designer. But before that she has her graduation and is aiming to spend summer in a Paris fashion house.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here