Local ladies are stepping onto the catwalk once again for the Solo Mia Autumn Fashion Show to raise money for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance at the Holiday Inn, Winchester on Thursday 19 October.

Many of the models have a personal connection to the Air Ambulance charity and are looking forward to showing their support for this local, life-saving charity.

One of the models is 26-year-old Steph from Southampton, who sustained life-threatening injuries when she was hit by a car in 2018. The life-changing incident has meant Steph has had to re-evaluate her career, but she remarks on what might have been had the Air Ambulance not attended to her that day.

Steph visited the charity’s Airbase in 2020

She said:

“I am so grateful for everything the team did for me that morning. I received the most amazing care from everyone on board the Air Ambulance. Without this life-saving charity, my situation would have been very different.”

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Director of Income and Engagement, Keith Wilson, said:

“The 2021 Solo Mia event was an honour and a privilege to attend. The talks delivered by Kate and Danielle (former patients, and family members) emphasised the impact our life-saving service has had on so many lives. Each mission we attend costs on average £3,320. The money raised will help ensure we can continue to be there for those who need us most.”

Solo Mia is an online boutique selling handpicked Italian-designed clothes and leather handbags. Guests will have the opportunity to browse and purchase items from the latest collection of Italian clothing by Solo Mia. There will also be a raffle with the chance to win an item from a collection of curated prizes with all proceeds going towards the essential life-saving work the Air Ambulance charity provides.

The 2021 Solo Mia fashion show raised almost £1,700 for the Air Ambulance charity, which can help to provide a two-week HEMS Technical Crew Course which all new paramedics must complete in order to assist pilots to reach patients more quickly and safely.

Tickets are £12 and include a complimentary welcome drink on arrival.