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Model wants to inspire others to be 'proud of their prosthetics'

Isobel Fry,North Westand
Lauren Hirst,North West
BBC Michael Hopkinson, who is wearing a brown leather jacket, gold chain and white T-shirt, is staring directly at the camera. BBC
Michael Hopkinson hopes to inspire other facing similar situations

A man who had both his legs amputated in 2024 after getting an infection has become a catwalk model in a bid to inspire others.

Michael Hopkinson, from Manchester, was among the models who were showcasing the latest line from Recondition - a brand set up to create adaptive clothing.

The 39-year-old said he wanted other people to be proud of their prostheses.

"People have a lot of shame about prosthetics and not showing them and even if just one person who is going through amputations sees this and goes actually... I'm going through this and I can relate," he said.

Hopkinson added: "That's how I think it works - it's all about relatability, and this is a very good opportunity to do that."

Models travelled from across the country to take part in the fashion show at the Aviva Studios in Manchester.

Maya Wijayasiri, who is wearing a pink floral top, is smiling at the camera.
Maya Wijayasiri said everyone deserved to feel beautiful

Maya Wijayasiri, 20, from Stockport, was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease two years ago.

Within a month, she needed life-saving surgery and a stoma bag.

"At the time I was just happy to be alive really," she said.

"I think it's important that we see different people in the mainstream so that when you're walking down the street and you see someone that looks a bit different it's not so much of a shock.

"I thought it'd be a good opportunity to make the most of something that wasn't a choice and feel beautiful.

"We all deserve to feel beautiful."

Aaliyah Rice, who is wearing a back top with a knitted top over the top, is smiling at the camera.
Aaliyah Rice said it was important to see people with different types of disabilities "rocking fashion"

Aaliyah Rice, who has ADHD, said she decided to take part to build her own confidence.

"It's something I've never done before and probably something anyone who knows me would be like 'why are you doing this?'" said the 24-year-old from Whitefield.

"But I just thought with this group of people, I just felt so comfortable."

Ellie Brown with long brown hair and gold earrings wearing a black see through top with a hot pink vest underneath. She stands under a poster with three models wearing Recondition clothing. She is smiling.
Ellie Brown said the brand works with people with disabilities to create adaptable jeans, stoma bags, and other pieces of clothing

Ellie Brown started Recondition after she broke her ankle and realised how inaccessible everyday clothes were.

She said she wanted to host a fashion show like no other so put out a casting call for people with disabilities.

"It is quite rare that you get a catwalk of people of that demographic coming together," she said.

"It shouldn't be rare but it is so I think for a lot of people especially if they have someone around them or a personal connection it can be quite an emotional event."

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