Charity Week at Portsmouth High School culminated in a spectacular two-night fashion show last week, bringing glamour and generosity together in support of local charity, Sophie’s Legacy.
The week of fundraising, masterminded entirely by the sixth form, showcased creativity and teamwork at its best. This year’s Fashion Show celebrated the magic of the Silver Screen with dazzling choreographed dances to hits from iconic films including Grease’s ‘You’re the One That I Want’, Barbie’s ‘Dance the Night’, and Love Actually’s ‘Jump’.
Rosie, Deputy Head Girl responsible for charities, explained the importance of the cause:
‘Sophie’s Legacy is a charity that was created in memory of Sophie Fairall and the legacy of change she wanted to create. Sophie had just turned nine when she was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma in September 2020. During her treatment, Sophie endured nine rounds of intense chemotherapy and seven weeks of radiotherapy. Sadly, in September 2021, Sophie, aged 10, died only a year after her diagnosis.’
Head Girl, Emma, added:
‘This is a terrible disease. Sophie’s Legacy helps make the children’s and parents’ days in hospital much brighter, helping them look for the positives. Sophie hoped for a play specialist seven days a week in hospitals, improvements for food for children in hospital and parents who stay with their child. She also hoped for GPs, nurses and health professionals to be trained in childhood cancer and to increase the funds in childhood cancer research.’
Chair of Trustees, Mr Fred Birkett, attended Thursday evening and praised the event:
‘The amount of effort put into this show is extraordinary. It’s about teamwork and even bravery, but what shines through is the clear enjoyment of everyone taking part. We must remember all the good things in life as this is what Sophie would have wanted. She always focused on the positives.’
Emma summed up the spirit of the event:
‘The fashion show was a chance for everyone to step out of their comfort zone and have fun together. It’s amazing to see how creativity and teamwork can turn an idea into something unforgettable.’
For the full album of pictures from the show visit our Flickr page here.
