SOCKS and sandals have become a trendy fashion pairing especially when wearing them could buy a pair of protective footwear for someone with leprosy.

Colchester-based charity Lepra held a VIP-heavy launch day last week in aid of its new Socks and Sandals campaign, where the charity is encouraging schools, workplaces and community groups to wear them both for a day and donate £3 to Lepra.

Award-winning chef Istaik Hussain, of the Indian Ocean restaurant in North Hill, catered for the mayor and deputy mayor of Colchester, the town's MP and councillors across Essex and Suffolk.

Will Quince said: “It’s a little-known fact that an international charity based in Colchester is doing so much good in the world, especially south-east Asia.

"The organisation is helping to empower people affected by leprosy and to provide them with the support to live fulfilling lives.

"Socks and sandals are a fun and silly way to raise funds, but also to make a serious point about the importance of bespoke, comfortable footwear.”

The event was an opportunity for guests to learn about the charity's work in India, Bangladesh and Mozambique, but also how it is reinventing itself in Colchester.

By raising awareness, pushing for early detection and supporting people living with disabilities caused by leprosy, Lepra's team work towards a day when this disease no longer destroys lives.

Angela Stafford, trusts fundraiser at Lepra, said: "This was our first event of this kind and it was great to be received with such enthusiasm.

"We want to make a deeper impact in Colchester and are thrilled we've received several invitations to talk at events in response to today’s lunch.

"It was also wonderful to see everybody taking part in the Socks and Sandals campaign, and having fun with our mascot Nicholas Bear.”

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