Kylie Minogue's shoes are set to be auctioned off to raise money for victims of domestic abuse.
The pop princess is auctioning her glitzy Dolce and Gabbana designer sandals in aid of the Shoe Ball – an event arranged by the Portsmouth Domestic Violence and Abuse Forum, run by the Safer Portsmouth Partnership at the council.
The event is being held on Tuesday, May 12, to raise awareness and money for victims and families affected by domestic violence.
There will also be a remembrance and thanksgiving ceremony at 10.30am on the day in Guildhall Square.
The donated celebrity shoes, survivors' shoes and shoes lent to the event by supporters will form a giant display representing the 106 lives lost due to domestic violence and abuse last year.
The Shoe Ball will take place at Fratton Park where the auction will be held to auction off footwear donated by various celebrities.
During the ball two auctions will be held with a celebrity auctioneer, comedian Ewen MacIntosh, also known as Keith from The Office.
Other items on offer at the auction include Beijing Olympic memorabilia and a signed Pompey shirt.
David Williams, chief executive of Portsmouth City Council and chairman of the Safer Portsmouth Partnership said: 'Domestic abuse is a horrible hidden crime and far too common.
'Our aim is for Portsmouth to be a safe and happy place to live.
'In partnership with police, probation service, the voluntary sector and local health authority, we are actively supporting victims of domestic abuse through projects such as the Early Interventions Project.
'Both the social and fiscal cost of domestic abuse is unpalatable and unacceptable.
'We are doing everything we can to keep our residents safe and free from the fear of crime.'
Tonia Earey, domestic abuse co-ordinator for the Safer Portsmouth Partnership, said: 'We are delighted that Kylie has do-nated her shoes for this inaugural and unique event. We hope that the response from the community and her involvement will put a spotlight on the subject that is normally hidden.
'The money raised will be used to support children and families who are affected by domestic abuse.'
Kylie's D&G shoes
FOOTWEAR FUNDS
Other celebrities auctioning off their shoes for the Shoe Ball include: TV presenters Lorraine Kelly, Alan Titchmarsh and Amanda Lamb; women's advocate Germaine Greer; actors Linda Bellingham, Gwen Taylor and Christopher Biggins; Women's Hour host Jenni Murray, Olympians Mark Foster and Shirley Robertson, and Dragon's Den entrepreneur Peter Jones.
There are still some tickets remaining for the Shoe Ball.
Tickets cost Ł30 each and include a champagne reception, four-course dinner and dancing.
You can also sponsor a ticket for a person affected by domestic abuse to attend the ball.
To buy tickets, please call Tonia Earey on (023) 9268 8470.
