Jennifer can't wait for big day . . when she wrecks her dress

Published on Wednesday 16 July 2008 10:23

IT is one of the most important purchases for any bride-to-be.

But while finding the perfect wedding dress can be a stressful, expensive and torturous process, quite what to do with it after the ceremony is another headache.

Newly-wed Jennifer Campbell is joining the growing band of women who are opting to have one last bit of fun out of their dresses instead of packing them carefully away never to be seen again.

The 27-year-old has more reason than most for wanting to take part in the "dress trashing" craze, which has swept America, after being struck down by meningitis just months before her big day.

She is using the stunt to raise money for Meningitis Trust, which helped her through her illness and recovery.

Mrs Campbell, from Kirknewton, got married to childhood sweetheart Colin just two weeks ago in a ceremony at Leith Registrars Office, followed by a reception at the Prison Officers Social Club in Longstone.

After seeing pictures of other brides taking part in "trash the dress" shoots – popular ways to destroy gowns include running into the sea or being splattered by mud – Mrs Campbell decided this was something for her.

She now plans to have some fun in her wedding dress by splashing around in the fountain in Princes Street Gardens with her three children – Leah, Eloise and Dylan.

The Ann Summers party organiser said: "I am looking forward to this more than the actual wedding because the wedding was so much stress.

"I thought being able to trash my dress would be a huge relief.

"It will give me some cracking pictures and also raise some sponsorship for the Meningitis Trust, who were fantastic with me."

Mrs Campbell spent months searching for the dress – which she bought second hand. At one point she had five dresses because she couldn't find the perfect one.

But the ivory A-line strapless gown she opted for was exactly what she wanted. She added:

"I don't see the point in just hanging it up in my wardrobe and forgetting about it so I'm going to do something a bit different."

Mrs Campbell spent five days in hospital when she contracted the disease back in January.

Although she has no major long-lasting effects, she has problems with doing mental arithmetic and also suffers from dizzy spells.

Katherine Raich, of the Meningitis Trust in Scotland said: "Jennifer's amazing fundraising provides inspiration to us all."

&#149 www.justgiving.com/jennieccles