WOMEN are being asked to donate their new or hardly worn shoes to raise money for children with life-threatening illnesses.

The Daily Echo-backed Heels 2 Help Heal event is staged at Bournemouth Oceanarium on Wednesday November 18 where good quality unwanted shoes including some signed by celebrities including Barbara Windsor and Lorraine Kelly, will be sold and auctioned in aid of Round Table Children’s Wish.

The charity, which grants wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses, has teamed up with local businesses to open shoe drop-zones for donated shoes.

Organiser Julie Atherton said: “We’re appealing to all those women with shoes languishing in their cupboards which they’ve either never worn or only worn once, to help us raise some vital funds for very poorly children.

“Whatever the brand and style of shoe, as long as they are in good condition we’d love to have them.”

Drop-zones are Look Mum in Westbourne, Party 2 Perfection in Salterns Way Lilliput, Tickles & Co in Wimborne Road, Moordown, and MacGregor’s Hair Salon in Southbourne Grove.

Others are Salon 1336 in Wimborne Road, Winton and Ashley Road Poole, Zooma in Bargates, Christchurch, Goodbodies in Westbourne, Annie Bunting at 63 North Ripley near Ringwood and the Round Table Children’s Wish headquarters at 857 Wimborne Road, Moordown.

There will also be entertainment from flamenco guitarist Uri Tal and singer Laura Charms, a fashion show, organic make-up demo and stalls. Tickets priced £5 include bubbly and canapes.

All money raised will grant wishes for children referred from Southampton Hospital.

To book a ticket or for more details call Julie at Round Table Children’s Wish on 01202 514515 or email julie@rtcw.org