A new life A bride has helped raise funds for Treetops Hospice, first by choosing her wedding dress from the charity’s bridal boutique, and again by donating it back after her big day. Keziah Alsop discovered the boutique based in Wollaton, Nottinghamshire, after being a bridesmaid for two friends who both tried on gowns there. “I loved the idea that what I spent on my dress could help support quality end-of-life care in the community,” she shares. During her appointment, Treetops’ bridal fitting volunteer Alison guided her through the collection, helped her picture the final fit and referred her to a trusted alterations specialist, making the whole experience simple and enjoyable. “Go with an open mind and you might just find your dream dress or something completely unexpected, like I did,” Keziah says. Her gown is now back on the Treetops bridal boutique rails, ready to help fund more expert care and create more memories for another bride. Find out more at treetopshospice.org.uk MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY Celebrity hairstylist and educator Michael Gray marked 20 years in the hair industry with a homecoming masterclass at St Mary’s Guildhall in Coventry. Demonstrating three signature looks on live models, he shared expert styling techniques, career advice and honest reflections on the highs and lows that have shaped his two-decade career. Returning to Coventry was a conscious decision for Michael. “Holding this event in Coventry meant everything to me,” he says. “This is where my journey started, with the people who supported me, believed in me and helped shape my career.” Now working entirely freelance, Michael’s career spans celebrity styling, education, editorial work and private clients, with no two weeks looking the same. Find out more at michaelgrayhair.com or follow @michaelgrayhair GREEN DAYS, GREEN STAYS AND GREEN WAYS Visit Leicester has announced its Green Days, Green Stays and Green Ways campaign, designed to highlight the benefits of regenerative tourism and encourage ecofriendly travel throughout the city and county. The regenerative tourism approach allows visitors to immerse themselves in local culture, eat food grown and made nearby, reconnect with nature, and support independent businesses while leaving a minimal environmental footprint. The initiative highlights local businesses and attractions leading the way in carbon reduction, including the National Space Centre and local breweries using solar energy. City attractions at King Richard III Visitor Centre and Jewry Wall both use systems to reduce energy usage and selected planting in the gardens that doesn’t tend to need watering. There are cafés that only source local ingredients to reduce food miles and tech-free hideaways where you can immerse yourself in nature. Plan your green mini-moon at visitleicester.info/green hazelhurley.co.uk homespunprojects.com/weddings 8
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