The reason Lorraine Downes is returning to the catwalk

Lorraine Downes is set to return to the catwalk. Photo / New Zealand Herald - Rebecca Zephyr Thomas.

Former Miss Universe, Lorraine Downes is set to return to the catwalk next month as part of New Zealand Fashion Week.

But the 1983 pageant winner won't be sporting the latest high fashion threads, instead, she and other well-known Kiwis will be decked out entirely in charity shop clothing.

The September 2 fashion show will help raise funds for Auckland-based palliative care unit, Mercy Hospice - a service which Downes and husband Martin Crowe utilised in the final years of the cricketing great's life.

Mercy Hospice ambassador Downes told New Zealand Woman's Weekly of her decision to walk in the fashion show: "It's the least I can do."

Martin Crow and Lorraine Downes. Photo / Norrie Montgomery

"Even after he passed, the care Mercy gave him and us was amazing. They were there for us every step of the way."

Downes also spoke of the need for a fundraising event such as this, due to the lack of funding for the much-needed service Mercy Hospice provides.

"What a lot of people don't realise is that they rely on donations and fundraising to be able to provide the incredible service they offer."

Lorraine Downes attends Maybelline Miss Universe Luncheon on September 16, 1983. Photo / Getty Images

Downes is set to wear a white gown donated by Kiwi designer Rochelle Goodrick, and the former beauty queen says she's looking forward to the runway return in support of a cause very close to her heart.

"It couldn't be more appropriate because doing fashion shows was always my favourite part of modelling. But to be honest, I'll do whatever I can for them. Mercy Hospice gave me and Marty so much love, compassion and respect, along with wonderful medical care, and I can't thank them enough."