The annual Fundraising Ball for Trinity Hospice returned to the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom at the weekend and raised more than £86,000 for the charity.
The Ball is the last of the hospice’s organised events to return following the pandemic, and supporters showed they were more than ready as they enjoyed a night full of entertainment and fundraising for hospice care across the Fylde coast.
A total of 560 guests were treated to a specially-crafted three course meal by Twelve Restaurant and musical entertainment by Brothers of Swing and The Deadbeats, and raised a total of £86,382 through a silent auction, a gala auction, prize balloons, a raffle and, new for the year, golden ticket chocolate boxes.
During the evening, ball-goers pledged to donate or raise enough to fund two full days of nursing care and support for Trinity’s dedicated children’s hospice, Brian House, as part of the gala auction.
They also heard from special guest Donna Molyneux, who supports the hospice in memory of her husband, Greg, who died in 2020. With her friends fundraising as Electric Dreams in memory of Greg Johnson, she has raised more than £15,000.
Trinity’s Head of Fundraising, Linzi Warburton, said: “Once again, our Annual Fundraising Ball was an amazing night in a fantastic venue full of incredibly generous supporters.
“The Ball is the last of our events to return after covid, and it was clear our supporters were ready to share an incredible evening in aid of our very special charity.
“There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Donna bravely shared her story and we’re so grateful she was able to join us with her friends and family. Thanks also to the wonderful submariners from HMS Triumph who helped us through the day and night, and every single individual, business and organisation who donated some fantastic prizes to help us raise as much as possible for specialist hospice care for the Fylde coast.
“We are overwhelmed with the amount raised at our Ball, which truly is a testament to the generous people who choose to support us.”