HEROIC NHS workers who are planning their wedding day have the chance to win their dream dress for FREE in a competition supported by the Gazette.

Fairytale Bride wants the public to nominate brides-to-be working in the NHS who will be entered into a draw to win a wedding dress of their choice.

The lucky winner will get to choose any dress worth up to £2,000 and will also receive a free appointment where they will be measured and fitted.

Like many businesses, Fairytale Bride has been closed for more than a month since the UK was put into lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic.

But the Coggeshall firm is looking to find the silver lining to the dark days by helping to make someone’s dream come true.

Alison Hollis, who runs the shop with the help of her daughter, Charlotte, said: “Like many people, we are just in awe of everything the NHS is doing at the moment.

“We were sat round the table one night discussing how we could give back to the amazing doctors and nurses and came up with the free dress idea.

“We’ve heard so many stories about disappointed brides lately but it must be even harder for those brides who have had their weddings cancelled and have to be treating people with coronavirus.

“They are seeing some horrific things every day but they keep on going.

“Giving away a dress is the only way we can really say thank you for everything they are doing.

“We are so happy to be able to offer this.”

Nominees missing out on the free dress will get the chance to claim a runner-up prize with Fairytale Bride planning to offer vouchers worth around £200 to five people entered into the draw.

The vouchers can be used on anything offered for sale by Fairytale Bride either online or in store.

The giveaway competition was launched on Thursday but has already seen more than 30 nominations made.

Mrs Hollis added: “We weren’t too sure how it would go when we launched it but we’ve had lots of interest already which I guess isn’t too surprising.

“It is amazing how quickly things spread around social media and people find out.

“We’ve had people nominated from as far away as Doncaster.

“The competition isn’t just specific to Essex but we do ask anyone entering to make sure they are able to travel to Coggeshall for their fitting appointment.”

Alison says the lucky winner’s name will be drawn from a hat once the competition closes on Tuesday, June 30.

The fitting appointment will then be arranged once the bridal shop is given the go-ahead to reopen.

NHS brides are able to nominate themselves but all entries must be accompanied with proof of NHS employment.

Nominees must also have a wedding date scheduled some time in 2021 and 2022.

To enter or find out more information, visit fairytalebride.co.uk/wedding-dress-giveaway.

n The Gazette is backing businesses who have gone above and beyond in these tough times.

Our newspaper is highlighting the positive things going on in the community and shout about the firms which are still operating and helping to improve the lives of others.

To behind this campaign, use the hashtag #BackingEssexbusiness on social medica to showcase a firm which has excelled in the face of adversity.

To tell us more about a business in north Essex, email gazette.newsdesk@newsquest.co.uk.