A Fundraising Ball to celebrate the 21^st birthday of Brian House Children’s Hospice raised over £66,000 on a glittering night at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

 Over 400 guests enjoyed an evening of great food, great music and very good company hosted by writer and comedienne Jenny Eclair. Hospice Patron Alfie Boe sent a video message from Los Angeles and a special ‘pop up choir’ made up of hospice staff, trustees, corporate supporters and friends had the audience on their feet after a one night only performance of ‘Come what may’. 

With glorious food by Twelve of Thornton, top class music from Paul Guard and Ian Hooper – plus Jean Martyn at the mighty Wurlitzer – it was an unforgettable evening.

Fundraisers from Trinity and Brian House were ably assisted by crew members from HMS Triumph, who have been supporting Brian House for several years and who travelled from their south coast submarine base for the day.

Hospice Chief Executive David Houston spoke about the challenges of funding Brian House and about the exciting opportunities ahead – including an expedition to the Great Wall of China and a bike ride to Paris in 2018. Guests also heard a moving account of one family’s involvement with Brian House.

Once again, the Ball was kindly sponsored by a supporter, which means every pound raised helps pay for patient care. A birthday cake – made specially for us by Molly’s  Cake Creations – was wheeled in and the candles blown out by Trinity Matron Julie Huttley. The cake, which was a recreation of a coral reef, was later auctioned for £1,000 to RNS Publications and very kindly given back to the hospice for children and adults to enjoy.

During the night it was announced that Lancs Cricket Captain Steven Croft would be supporting Brian House during his testimonial year in 2018 – what an amazing gesture!

A huge thank you to everyone who attended or who helped behind the scenes. To everyone who donated a prize, bought a raffle ticket, put in an auction bid or volunteered on the night:  you made an amazing difference!