Sheila Bowen (61) and Andrea Barclay (53) were winners in a recent Falkirk Herald competition to have starring roles in last week's fashion show in aid of Strathcarron Hospice organised by The Mall Howgate.

The pair were nominated for a makeover, courtesy of TV style expert Mark Heyes, who regularly appears on Lorraine Kelly's LK Today show.
The judges couldn't decide between them so agreed both should get the VIP treatment.

Sheila, of Brightons, is the full-time carer for her husband Colin who suffers from the rare condition Arachnoiditis which leaves him in constant pain and almost bedbound. Andrea, from Falkirk, lost her husband Douglas at the end of June, just 18 months after he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.

Mark took them on a shopping spree to Desire by Debenhams in The Mall, where he helped them select their show-stopping outfits. They then had their hair and make-up applied by Mall staff before hitting the catwalk.

Afterwards both admitted it had been an amazing experience and, although they both had said beforehand they were looking for trousers and a top, Mark transformed them with stunning outfits – Sheila in a black and cream lace creation and Andrea in a mauve floral fitted dress.

Sheila said: "It was magical. Mark is such a gem and gave me lots of confidence about what I could wear."

Andrea said she had been nervous about meeting the TV personality but he quickly put her at ease. "He picked out things for me that I would never have dreamt of trying. It's been a great day – and lovely to be pampered," she said.

The pair were the final models at Wednesday evening's fashion show which raised £3231 for the hospice.

Taking place for the second year in a row, all the models and clothes were supplied by The Mall's tenants.

Mark, who hosted the event for free, said: "Coming back to Falkirk was a real pleasure. I had so much fun last year and was so impressed with the range of clothes on offer and with the staff models. I honestly didn't think they could top last year's performance but they did!

"Andrea and Sheila are such wonderful women. We had so much fun picking out their outfits and I think everyone will agree that they looked truly stunning on the catwalk."

Thanking all those involved, Margaret Foy, The Mall Howgate's marketing manager, said: "This year's event was so much fun, not only raising a fantastic amount of money for the hospice but it also helped highlight that you can get the must have catwalk looks for the season at high street prices."

Angela Gillies, Strathcarron's fundraising manager, said: "It's only through the support of companies like The Mall Howgate and the big hearts of local residents that the hospice can continue to undertake its vital work.

"The fashion show once again raised a phenomenal amount of money and we'd like to thank everyone who was involved and attended the evening for their generosity."