A DOMESTIC abuse survivor has started a huge collection of prom outfits for those who are less fortunate after being moved by a fellow victim’s struggle with the cost of dresses.

Nicky Oates volunteers with domestic abuse charity Pathways and it was during a session that a woman spoke about being afraid to tell her twin girls she could not afford their prom dresses.

Nicky couldn’t stop thinking about the story and was so touched that she decided to ask people to donate their unwanted prom dresses.

Nicky, 49, of Towngate, Silkstone, said: “The woman was so upset. She has twin girls who had been looking forward to their prom day and she couldn’t afford their dresses and didn’t want to tell them.

“I couldn’t get her out of my head. So I posted on Facebook asking if people had any old prom dresses collecting dust and if they wanted to donate them to charity so other children could go to Upon domesttheir prom.

“I got so much response and all my friends were asking to donate. That’s when I formed this idea.”

About 50 dresses have been donated so far, including a pure silk dress which is being sent from Singapore. Nicky is also collecting suits, shoes, tiaras and handbags to help people who can’t afford them.

The dresses, suits and accessories will be displayed at a red-carpet event at Shafton ALC where youngsters will be able to pick an outfit, pay a small amount and donate the items back after their prom.

The idea is also acting as a fundraiser for Pathways, which has existed for 25 years but is in danger of closing because of a lack of funding. The money people pay to hire the clothes will be donated to Pathways.

Nicky said: “I am a survivor of domestic abuse and I’m training to be a counsellor at the moment. I wanted to do some volunteering for me, and I wanted to do something that I could relate to and that I was passionate about.

“I can’t say how much I get out of it for myself. I absolutely love it, and the different roles.”

Nicky has launched a Facebook page called Once Upon A Prom, and has since had businesses and individuals offering to do nails, hair and make-up.

She added: “I’m trying to tie everything together at the moment. So there is no date for the event yet, but this has all happened in a week or so. Social media is such a massive platform, and this is such a great cause.

“There are so many people in the community offering their services. I’ve even had someone say they don’t have any dresses to donate, but would be happy to do a clean up at the school after the event.

“I can’t believe the way in which the community has come together and is dropping off things and wanting to help. It’s amazing.”

A number of drop off points have been organised, including Pathways in Barnsley, Shafton ALC, Tesco in Penistone, Rainbow Day Care in Hoyland, Zeanti in Penistone, Maggie’s Coffee Shop in Monk Bretton, Scitech centre at Barnsley College, and J Rotherham Memorials on Doncaster Road, Barnsley.

Find the Facebook page here