Glittering fundraiser with stars
STARS of the stage and screen joined East Cheshire Hospice supporters at the annual Winter Wonderland Ball to raise a record-breaking £70,000 for the charity.
More than 460 people attended the glittering event including actor and comedian Les Dennis, who joined hospice patron and former Coronation Street star Charlie Lawson, along with business leaders including main sponsor Nick Bianchi from Arighi Bianchi.
Event manager Jessica Ruth said: “It costs £7,500 to provide each day of hospice care, so the annual ball is a hugely important fundraising event for us and we are delighted that we managed to raise more money than ever before.”
Thorneycroft Solicitors got the party got off to a great start by sponsoring the drinks reception and guests were welcomed to the event at Mere Golf Resort and Spa by hospice chairman Rob Barrow.
Most of the money was raised from auctions, with lucky Andrew Smith winning a £3,000 diamond pendant donated by PR Jones Jewellers.
Local cook Jayne Davenport helped raise £3,200 by donating her time to serve up a threecourse meal for up to eight people.
The most moving speech of the evening came from Carl Lampty whose wife, Sarah, died last December.
Carl told the guests that he was deeply grateful for all the care shown to his wife.
He also thanked all the staff for their help and support to him and Sarah’s family over the last year.
Guests were well looked after during the evening by eight volunteers from Macclesfield College.