Beechwood Ball raises almost £50,000

HUNDREDS of people put their glad rags on for the Beechwood Butterfly Ball – raising almost £50,000 for the cancer care centre.

The Beechwood ball, which was held at the Palace Hotel Manchester on Saturday, June 25, raised an amazing £47,500. The money was raised with the help of generous bidding in an auction  as well as proceeds from a raffle.

The night, which was hosted by patron Chelsea Norris, included a three course meal and entertainment from singers and a magician.

An emotional video was shown of patient Kirsty Cooke, who recently lost her battle with cancer. Tributes were also made to Beechwood chief executive Allen Whittaker and actress and patron Morag Siller who both passed away this year with the disease.

Angela Gray, fundraising manager for Beechwood, on Chelford Grove, Stockport, said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came to the Butterfly Ball and helped to raise an outstanding amount of money.

“It has been a terrible start to 2016 for Beechwood after the loss of our chief executive and much loved friends and patients. Our thoughts are with their families and friends, who bravely attended the ball. We will continue to support them and hope that with this money we will be able to support many more people through their difficult times.”

Actress Sally Dynevor, who is best known for her long standing role as Sally in Coronation Street, attended the ball.
She paid tribute to her friend Morag, announcing that she would be taking on her role as a patron of Beechwood.

Sally, who has lived through breast cancer herself, added: “Morag was very proud of her role as a patron of Beechwood, and as a patient at the centre herself, she spoke very highly of the services and its staff and volunteers. I hope to continue her good work.”

PHOTOS: Guests enjoying their evening at the ball, while raising money for Beechwood.

Kirsty Cooke, who has sadly passed away, with husband Scott and son Finlay