FORMER brides were given the chance to wear their wedding dress once again – and raised thousands for charity in the process. 

A wedding dress ball hosted by Wedding Time Bridal Salon in Dorchester saw local ladies come together in stunning gowns to raise money for a good cause. 

Funds from the event will go towards helping the plight of Dorchester mum-of-two Sian Kwan who is suffering from a rare form of cancer, and is crowdfunding to raise thousands for specialised treatment. 

Money was also raised for Heavenly Gowns UK, a team of volunteers who create dresses, wraps and blankets from donated wedding dresses and gowns for babies who have sadly died. 

Tracy Carroll, who owns the salon, also organised the event to celebrate 25 years in business.

She said: “To date we have raised £1,769 for our two charities. 

“We had 85 guests and quite a few wore their wedding dresses. It was such a great night with lots of local businesses supporting our raffle, for which we are truly grateful.”

The event was held at Athelhampton House, which also celebrates 30 years of hosting weddings this year. 

Pegasus Discos entertained guests throughout the evening and there was a chance for ladies to take a picture with wedding dress designer Phil Collins. 

Tracy added: “Everyone looked amazing and the whole event at Athelhampton was truly special.”

Members of the Wedding Time team dressed in matching glittering gowns as they came to support the event and a special wedding dress cake was even baked for the occasion. 

Sian Kwan, mum to an eight-year-old daughter and three-year-old son, was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in January, and has been fundraising for treatment in June. 

She set up a JustGiving crowdfunding page which has so far raised more than £10,000.