Brian House charity ball raises £72,000

A charity ball hosted in aid of Thornton Cleveleys based Brian House Children’s Hospice has raised £72,000.

The Trinity Hospice Annual Fundraising Ball was hosted by Blackpool Tower Ballroom and attracted more than 450 guests.

Funds were raised through a series of auctions and raffles, and nearly 50 guests pledged to donate or raise £149.91, the amount it costs for an hour of Brian House care.

Attendees enjoyed a three course dinner and a range of performances from The Blue Pig Orchestra, The Brothers of Swing, the Blackpool Operatic Players.

Nigel Taylor, multi-award winner in musical theatre, compered the event and 16-year-old Jack Leech gave a moving talk about his experiences at Brian House.

Jack, who was born with a rare condition called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, said: “Not only does Brian House offer me some rest, as well as fun with the friends I’ve made there, it also gives my mum the chance to relax.

“From great days out, to the brilliant food they provide, Brian House is like a home away from home for me – and I couldn’t imagine life without it.”

Head of Fundraising, Linzi Warburton, said: "Although it seems like that amount of money is raised in just one night, the amount of work that goes into the event is huge – and wouldn’t be possible without the support of local businesses, individuals, and organisations donating their time, prizes, and helping whether they can.

“We also wanted to say a massive thank you to Jack for speaking on the night, as well as to the submariners of HMS Triumph, who volunteered before and during the event – and even managed to help us tidy up at the end of the night!”

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