AN EALING woman has pledged to wear second clothes for a whole year to raise money for cancer research.

Kim Sklinar, 28, hopes to raise £2,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of her father, who was diagnosed with the illness 18 months ago and eventually died of a heart condition and adult-onset diabetes, in January, aged 57.

She plans to only buy clothes on eBay and in charity, vintage and second hand shops which benefit organisations close to her heart and to ask people to make donations to Macmillan Cancer Support through her JustGiving page.

Through her PrelovedReloved campaign, she also hopes to raise awareness about the amount of cheap clothes we buy and its effect on the environment.

She said: "I always like to dress a bit differently and I love hunting for unusual items. I am looking forward to not bumping into three people wearing the same dress as me at the same event! More and more vintage pieces are sneaking into my wardrobe, I love new garments (new to me, anyway) and I will be updating my outfits as the seasons come and go."

She said charity shops used to have a real stigma when she was younger, but they have now become more acceptable and are "quirky and cool as well as being good for the environment."

She said she also planned to make or re-make some of her own clothes.

She said: "Some friends are donating an amount, one friend has a change jar, another friend is sponsoring me quarterly! I've been talking to someone in vintage fashion too about doing a vintage/second-hand fashion show fundraiser too.

"I also want to raise awareness of cancer, heart disease and diabetes, while also raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. Macmillan was a natural choice. They provide an amazing emotional and financial crutch to those suffering (and their families) from this evil disease.”

Callum Mackay, Macmillan’s North West fundraising manager said: “We’re so excited about this original fundraising idea. We’re always pleased when people set themselves new challenges to raise money, but this is a first. We’re sure that Kim will stand out with her unique wardrobe and she can also be proud that she is making a real difference.”

You can check out Kim’s blog www.prelovedreloved.co.uk , where you can donate money via JustGiving.