Charity swish.

A CHARITY swishing event in Huddersfield is being hosted by an Almondbury woman who lost her sister to cancer.

Dara Butler wants to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support at the event on Wednesday, August 19, at the North Light Gallery, Armitage Bridge, in memory of her younger sister Kealen Duncan (pictured).

Kealen was just 35 when she died in December last year.

"I know that Kealen would be proud I am supporting the organisation that helped to ease her and her family's pain and suffering in the last few months of her life,'' said Dara.

Inspired by her sister's love of fashion, Dara decided to hold an evening of swishing, at which women swap clothes, jewellery and accessories.

"Kealen was renowned for lending her clothes and accessories to her friends,'' said Dara. "You were never stuck for an outfit whatever the event when Kealen was around.'' Kealen was from a large Irish family, one of nine sisters, all of whom ran the Race for Life just before her cancer diagnosis. (Dara also has two brothers).

"Kealen was totally unaware that she had cancer at the time of race, only finding out later in September 2005, when it was much too late to do anything about it," explained Dara.

Kealen used to live in Marsh and was formerly a supervisor for Marks and Spencer clothing.

She moved back to Ireland a few years ago to raise her family and left a son Jack, who is now five, and a husband called Ian.

As part of the evening's entertainment, Dara will be inviting two image consultants to give a Trinny and Suzannah-style demonstration.

Two hairdressers, a make-up artist and nail technician will also be on hand to give tips and mini make-overs - in return for a donation to Macmillan Cancer Suppor t.

Admission to the event is by ticket only.

Full swishing rules are available on the tickets.

Tickets for the event are pounds 10 from the North Light Gallery; Nosh, at Almondbury and The Treatment Suite, Tandem Industrial Estate, Waterloo.

CAPTION(S):

* THUMBS UP: Thom Watson at The Body Shop, in Huddersfield, which today launched a fundraising campaign for a charity working to end child sex trafficking (S)