Models of Diversity Make-Over Day, a Roaring Success

The story was given full coverage on TV, radio and local newspapers

(from left to right) Carla Nunes, Angel Sinclair, Linda Scotson and Kate Blackett

Last Thursday (14 July 2011), thanks to the generosity of Angel Sinclair and her Models of Diversity, 10 mums (the forgotten heroes) and 3 of their disabled children - one of whom was Doran Scotson, Linda's son - were treated to a full make-over to show the world how beautiful they really are.

Jilly Goolden

Lending their support and accompanying Linda Scotson, founder of the Advance Centre and Angel Sinclair, founder of Models of Diversity, was:

• Jilly Goolden, TV presenter and Vice President of the Advance Centre
• Cllr Liz Bennett, Deputy Mayor of East Grinstead
• Carla Nunes, disabled model who appeared on Channel 4's documentary, "Beauty and the Beast - the ugly face of prejudice"
• Kate Blackett, model

The make-over was provided by a make-up artist and a hairdresser, Keeley Knight and friend of Benefit Cosmetics, plus photographer James Lyon of Lyon Photography who provided portraits as mementos for the mums and children to take home and frame. All three gave their time free of charge.

Models of Diversity also generously provided a free English cream tea for everyone to enjoy.

Angel, Kate and Carla beside the cream tea they generously donated

The day began with a live interview of Linda Scotson and Carla Nunes on BBC Sussex and Surrey Radio. Prejudice towards disability within the fashion industry was a hot topic for the radio station almost all day, with scores of people ringing in to tell their stories and views. Later in the afternoon, Linda was interviewed live again by the same radio station, this time accompanied by Angel Sinclair.

At the same time, BBC TV (South East Today) came in to the Centre to record the event, interview the mums, the models, the founders and the supporters. They finished their report by asking all the models and 'make-overees' to do a mini catwalk fashion show for the camera. The item was then broadcast on BBC1 shortly after 6.30pm the same day.

BBC South East Today interviewing model Carla Nunes

The story will also soon appear in the local East Grinstead Courier and Observer who sent their photographer along, as well as in the Sussex-wide Brighton-based newspaper, the Argus.

All in all, it was a wonderfully uplifting occasion; everybody had fun and was so happy whilst, at the same time, the issue of prejudice within the fashion industry had most certainly been raised across three media channels.