Inverness sisters' DIY mission

Sisters Jessica Hamilton and Rebecca Gethins

TWO glamorous sisters who are not afraid of manual labour are gearing up for a challenge of a lifetime.

Seventeen-year-old Jessica Hamilton and Rebecca Gethins (25) are travelling to Tanzania in October to help build a children’s orphanage.

“It’s something worthwhile that we always wanted to do and the timing is perfect because Jessica is about to take her gap year,” explained Mrs Gethins.

The sisters, from Resaurie, Inverness, were inspired by a friend who undertook a similar trip with the interdenominational Vine Trust and decided the opportunity was too good to miss.

“We are travelling with 30 to 40 others,” explained Mrs Gethins. "Within that group there are people who have different trades as well as people to help out with the labour.”

Mrs Gethins runs The Therapy Suite in Church Street, Inverness, with her mother Pauline, while her sister is preparing to study midwifery.

A fashion show to help raise the £2,000 each they need to make the trip takes place at Merkinch Community Centre on 20th May.

“The Therapy Suite is doing all the hair and makeup for the show,” said Mrs Gethins. “And the fashion show will feature clothes from local couture designer Mimi as well as clothing from Phase8 and Greenhouse.”

The red carpet event will also include demonstrations including personal training, teeth whitening and lifestyle choices as well as refreshments such as tea, coffee and nibbles.

“We hope to raise as much money as we can,” Mrs Gethins added.

“We have already had friends who have been very generous and people are doing sky dives and climbing Ben Nevis to help raise money.

“The main thing now is both preparing both physically and emotionally for the journey.

“We’re just trying to do something different and help these children.”

Tickets for the fashion show cost £10 and can be purchased at The Therapy Centre or from Merkinch Community Centre.