A FUNDRAISING couple from Kidderminster are hosting a shopping event to raise money and awareness for Vasculitis – a disease that destroys blood vessels.

Claire, 33, and Andy Greenow-Phillips, 35, are welcoming local businesses to Clows Top Victory Hall this Sunday, May 25, to sell their products in the hope of raising money for the cause.

Mrs Greenow-Phillips said: “Andy has suffered with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, a form of Vasculitis, since October 2012.

“As May is national awareness month we have decided to do our bit to raise the profile of these rare and potentially life threatening diseases.”

The event will run from 2pm to 5pm where there will be an array of gifts on offer to buy, such as candles, scarves, shoes and handbags.

There will also be stalls offering gel nails, cakes and refreshments, while children will be kept entertained with a bouncy castle, hook a duck and a chance to win a prize in the name a bear competition.

Mrs Greenow-Phillips said she had various ideas to kick start her fundraising, including a ‘ladies that lunch’ meeting, before deciding on a shopping event. “I thought about having a garden party, but as I have a very large family there would have been too many people to invite round,” she said.

“Then we had the idea of asking around local halls and hosting a shopping event where we could get local businesses to sell their items, as well as asking them to donate prizes for a raffle.”

Some of the contributing local companies include PartyLite, Scarfoholic, Dubre & Wotsits, Emelia’s Jewellery Parties, Forever Aloe, Coll’s Finishing Touch and Gel Nails by Dani.

Additional prizes also include a treatment voucher from Precious Moments and a framed paper cut from Giraffe and Duck Paper cuts.