Retro wedding dress brings hospice amazing windfall

The garment was so old-fashioned the charity was doubtful they would find a buyer for it.

However, they decided to put the dress on eBay and were staggered to receive an offer of more than £500 from someone in Germany, smashing the highest total the Hindley-based hospice had previously raised from the sale of special occasion wear.

The dress, which was donated to one of WLH’s network of 11 charity shops in the borough, ended up swelling the hospice’s coffers by £520.

Anna Hart, WLH retail manager, said: “When we first saw the dress we didn’t think it would sell as it was so 1980s but we had nothing to lose so decided to give it a go.

“It was a little creased but otherwise in excellent condition. It’s a shame we have no idea who donated it but we are very grateful to them and hopefully they will read this and be pleased.

“To say the eBay team are pleased is an understatement. We celebrated with them with a chippy dinner!”

The dress was 100 per cent silk and made by an outfitter called The Lace Cabinet.

Previously the largest amount the team had ever sold a dress for was £89, with most retailing at around the £50 mark.

The hospice has been selling wedding dresses and accessories, page boy outfits, bridesmaid dresses and other garments for special occasions at its shop in Wigan town centre and online at its eBay bridal outlet.

Online sales are continuing throughout the lockdown on the charity’s Facebook Marketplace and on eBay.

Although the shops are all closed in line with the current restrictions donations are still being accepted at the hospice’s stores in Shevington and Hindley and on Bradshawgate in Leigh every Friday between 10am and 2pm.

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here and viewing our offers ..