​​All proceeds from Bhasha Mukherjee’s clothes will empower women to be prepared when faced with cyclones, flooding and other disasters.
 
Dr Bhasha Mukherjee, the first south Asian woman to be crowned Miss England, has donated the “Ellie Wilde” dress she wore for her entry photo to the Miss World pageant in December, as well as a number of other items, in support of women in one the most disaster-prone places on earth.

The sleeveless designer gown has a plunging V-neck, sheer bodice with lace appliques and stone accents and is expected to raise a considerable amount at auction.

All money raised from the sale of women’s clothes and accessories donated to British Red Cross charity shops before 31 March will go towards the It starts with her campaign, a UK-government backed drive to help women in slum communities in Barishal, Bangladesh.
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The women there battle poverty, violence and extreme weather but are fighting back with the help of British Red Cross programmes that help them to build their own and others’ livelihoods.
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Bhasha, 23, who is also a junior doctor, said: “For me, donating this dress is very special. The dress is from Ellie Wilde and it was one of the dresses that I wore on the cover of India’s Health Magazine, and that was a very empowering moment for me.

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As survey reveals almost half of women admit they own too many clothes  

• Over a third of women admit the amount of clothes they own makes them feel guilty 
• 70% of women admitted they have bought a piece of clothing and never worn it 
• Almost half of women admit they own too many clothes 
• British Red Cross launches new campaign It starts with her and aims to raise £2m, which the UK government will double to £4m 
• The cash will help women in the slums of Bangladesh create businesses and build communities through British Red Cross programmes 
• Public can donate to It starts with her  appeal to help make strong women stronger by visiting:  www.redcross.org.uk/itstartswithher   

Amanda Holden, Anita Rani and Michelle Keegan are backing a new British Red Cross campaign as the charity kicks off its 150th year. The campaign, It starts with her, looks to encourage women in the UK to change the lives of women in Barishal, Bangladesh, one of the most disaster prone places on the planet, simply by donating unwanted clothes.

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