Shay Given and wife Jane sign up City team for charity catwalk

Jane and Shay Given's event will raise money for Stockport's Beechwood Cancer Care Centre

Manchester City star Shay Given and wife Jane have brought their next fundraising event forward by a year – after being inspired by the work of a local charity.

Jane and Shayʼs Fashion Kicks bash has traditionally been held every other year.

But after the success of last yearʼs event – which was held at Lancashire County Cricket Club and raised money for charities such as Stockportʼs Beechwood Cancer Care Centre – they decided not to wait another 12 months and are organising the next Fashion Kicks do this May.

Mum of two Jane says: “We went to Beechwood to present the cheque from our last event, and it was a very moving experience for us. Meeting the children and the families there and seeing everything that the centre does to help, that was a big inspiration in us deciding to have the event again this year rather than wait another year.”

One of the highlights of the last event was a host of Shayʼs City teammates, such as Carlos Tevez and Patrick Vieira, strutting their stuff on the catwalk.

And Jane has confirmed that the Blues will once again be heading out in the latest fashions for the exclusive show, at The Point at the LCCC.

Theyʼve also bagged the services of award-winning chefs Paul Heathcote, Nigel Haworth, Terry Laybourne and The Ritzʼs John Williams to create the lavish dinner.

Westlife performed last year, and Jane promises that a big name will be announced soon for this yearʼs entertainment.

The Givens are also in talks with a supermodel to open the Selfridges catwalk show.

Demand is so high for tickets that the event sold out in four days – even with exclusive seats at the bash selling for £120 to £500 – and thereʼs a waiting list for guests desperate to attend.

This year, money raised will be split between Macmillan Cancer Support, Beechwood Centre and the Adopt-A- School Project and Shay and Jane hope they will reach the £1m mark after raising £900,000 from the events over the last eight years.

The Givens worked closely with Manchester City to find a date that worked for the team, deciding upon May 15 as it gives a clear week before the teamʼs final match of the season.

Jane says: “The footballers are so good in giving their time to the event, and helping to raise a lot of money for our charities.”

To find out more about the event or donate to the appeal, see www.fashionkicks.org.uk