A VICTIM of ovarian cancer has bowed out with a parting blow against the disease that took her life.

Julie Allen, a Blunsdon resident who committed a great deal of her life to charity projects, passed away last Tuesday before her planned fashion show in aid of Brighter Futures. Despite knowing she would be unable to attend her show due to a downturn in her health, the event went ahead thanks to the help of her friends, and she was able to raise approximately £2,500 to help bring radiotherapy to Swindon. She died at the age of 59.

Blunsdon Village Hall played host to the vintage fashion show and tea party on Saturday where guests were treated to cakes, fine-bone china, photo opportunities inside a vintage car, and fashion through the eras from the 20s to the 60s. The hall was decorated with the same bunting used on Mrs Allen’s wedding day, serving as a fitting reminder of the joy she brought to the community.

Julie Hennessy, a friend of Mrs Allen’s, played a significant role in the planning of the fashion show when the debilitating effects of her friend’s cancer became apparent. Mrs Hennessy said: “She was planning to do the introduction at the event, but when that wasn’t possible she told me ‘the show must go on!’”

“Julie was one of the most beautiful people you could wish to know. She had a big heart. She was kind, loyal, generous… she could do anything she set her mind to.

“She said radiotherapy was hard enough to endure without having the journey of an hour each way to have around 15 minutes’ treatment.

“She was also deeply saddened to hear that some people actually decide not to have the treatment because of this. So she wanted to hold a fundraising event to help raise funds for Brighter Futures and help Swindon get its own radiotherapy unit.”

Among a myriad of other achievements during her 15-year stay in Blunsdon, Julie Allen co-founded a community shop, organised open garden events, and established a Christmas crafts evening in the village.

Mrs Hennessy said of the event: “The guests thought it was fabulous. They were blown away by the afternoon tea.”

She described a staggering operation that involved two separate raffles, a well-known Cirencester entourage compèred by Lady She, vintage hair styling by Raye Leonard of Vintage Victory Rollers, and a 20% fundraising match from Intel, which contributed to the impressive total of over £2,000. Prospect also supported the event by loaning dresses to the models and providing vintage bric-a-brac for sale.

The success of the show rested on the organisational skills of Mrs Hennessy’s friends who joined her on the event committee – Sue, Karen, Helen, Lou and Kate.

Julie Allen will be remembered as someone who made a difference to the lives she touched. Her fashion show marks the perfect tribute to the legacy she leaves behind.