As you will know, Ashton is not only a keen fashion designer, he is also a passionate young carer for his brother, Lucas. Lucas has a devastating genetic epilepsy and developmental disorder, called KCNQ2 encephalopathy.
Ashton’s family have been supported by The Carers Foundation, an organisation that supports carers across Queensland. Ashton attended the Carer’s Christmas Lunch event at Victoria Park, with his mum, Jennie. It was actually on his 10th birthday, and Ashton had no idea that his Gets Festive dress was to be modelled again as part of a fashion parade arranged by Sarah from SFH designs (@sfh_designs)!
The dress was modelled by the incredible Lynn White, CEO and founder of Ms Oceania who is a prominent fashion model and influencer, and previous Mrs Australia Globe in 2022 (@lynn_white007).
It was a wonderful moment of serendipity to merge Ashton’s love of fashion with his caring role and passion for disability advocacy. It was a heartwarming and memorable moment for many of the audience, including the founder of the Carers Foundation, Ronnie Benbow, who gave the stunned and surprised Ashton the most enormous hug!
The event was also attended by the Lady Mayoress of Brisbane, Nina Schrinner, who is the patron of the foundation, and passionate about supporting unpaid family carers.
It was also where Ashton had the opportunity to meet Mike Arieni, The owner of Solar Bollard Lighting. Mike’s son, Josh, was a wonderful young man who cared for his grandmother so she could remain in the family home. He tragically lost his life in a road accident in 2020, at the age of only 28. Mike has set up the Josh Arieni Unsung Hero Legacy in his son’s honour, and is a huge supporter of The Carer Foundation. Mike offered some incredible words of encouragement to Ashton at the event and continues to support him in achieving his dreams.
