A community fashion event in Bedford is aiming to raise awareness and much-needed funds for a rare neurological condition that affects thousands of families across the UK.
The Big Bedford Swish is a sustainable clothes-swap evening being held in aid of the Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Association (PSPA), a charity supporting people living with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).
It’s taking place at Bedford Greenacre Independent School on Friday, 20 March at 6.30pm. General swishing tickets are £15 with a limited number of Golden Tickets priced at £20.
PSP is a rare, progressive brain condition with no cure. It gradually affects balance, movement, speech and swallowing and is often misdiagnosed in its early stages.
Awareness remains low, and many families report feeling isolated when first confronted with the diagnosis. PSP has previously affected well-known figures, including actor and comedian Dudley Moore, and more recently, US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson.
The event has been organised by Bedfordian Ceri in support of her dad, Clive, 77, who was diagnosed with PSP in 2022.
Until recently, Clive lived life at full pace, first in the Merchant Navy and as Operations Manager at Granada TV Rentals in Bedford. In retirement, he moved to Norfolk with his wife Barbara, where he volunteered extensively – including on the Poppy Line heritage railway in Sheringham, Norfolk.
As his condition progressed, Clive and his wife Barbara moved back to Bedford in 2023 to be closer to their daughters, Ceri and Anna, and grandchildren.
“PSP doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed – it reshapes everyday life for the whole family,” said Ceri.
“There’s currently no cure, and many people have never even heard of it.”
The Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Association provides specialist advice, practical support and funds research into improved treatment and care.
The Big Bedford Swish aims to bring the community together for a positive, accessible evening. Attendees can refresh their wardrobes through a clothes swap while contributing to a cause that urgently needs greater visibility and research funding.
You can get involved by donating clothes to the Big Bedford Swish and by buying a ticket to the event itself.
What you can donate
This swish is for women’s clothes and accessories (hats, scarves, shoes, boots, bags, jewellery and hair accessories)
Anything donated needs to be:
- Clean and freshly laundered
- In good condition (no stains, holes or damage)
- Ready-to-wear – items you’d be happy to swap yourself
- Aim for quality over quantity
Tickets are available via Eventbrite here.
All proceeds go directly to PSPA to support families and fund research. For more information about PSP, visit the PSPA website.
