A Kent girl appeared on the catwalk alongside celebrity guests at a gala for a London Fashion Week event.

Maddison Graver, from Swanley, modelled childrenswear brand Little Robes Royale at the ICON Gala in aid of WellChild, a national charity for seriously-ill children.

The seven-year-old is supported by the charity for her multiple serious conditions including hemiplegia which causes weakness and lack of control to one side of her body, left hemianopia, which affects her eyesight, and epilepsy.

Her mum Kerry Graver said: “I never thought Maddison would do the catwalk but she grew in confidence throughout the day.”

Maddison uses a wheelchair but can walk with a frame or with support.

She appeared on the catwalk alongside other children who are supported by the charity .

The ICON event was held at the Landmark Hotel, London, and celebrated all things iconic while raising funds for WellChild and NHS Charities Together.

The gala was presented by Buzz Mode editorial Model Agency. Their founder, Helen Georgio said: “I am honoured to have brought excitement back the London social scene, and to have joined forces with NHS Charities Together and WellChild for an evening of fun and fundraising."

WellChild provides essential and practical support to seriously-ill children and young people, like Maddison, across the UK to ensure they have the best chance to thrive and are properly supported at home.

Charity chief executive Colin Dyer said: “Thanks so much to the organisers of the ICON Ball for their kind support at this event. Through this event we were able to give children and families supported by WellChild a once-in-a-lifetime experience to walk the catwalk and mix with the stars at London Fashion Week.

"The last 18 months have been a tough time for all charities, with the Covid pandemic putting a great strain on our fundraising. When the Covid-19 crisis took hold, we lost 60% of our forecasted income.

"At the same time, the families we supported were placed under more pressure than any of us can imagine. As the world returns to a ‘new normal’ many of our families face ongoing challenges.

"Offering opportunities like this to members of the WellChild Family Tree is a fantastic way to put a smile on families’ faces, whilst raising vital funds for WellChild.”

The event's special guest was singer Grace Jones, who performed her hit singles including "Slave To The Rhythm".

The international star said: “It is such an honour to be back in the UK performing for such worthwhile charities. I am so pleased to be launching the ICON Gala in my second home, London."

Other celebrity guests included rock star Sir Rod Stewart, and his wife, the model Penny Lancaster, and husband and wife actors Dame Emma Thompson and Greg Wise, who is in this year's Strictly Come Dancing line up.

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