Stars of some of Britain’s best loved soaps, world class researchers and breast cancer clinicians joined forces to smash Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s fundraising target for their first Glitter Ball in aide of the North West Appeal.
The charity was aiming to raise £100,000 but surpassed this by a staggering £10,000 bringing the total to a huge £110,500. Funds will go towards Breakthrough’s North West Appeal which hopes to raise £5 million over the next five years for the research centre based at the University of Manchester, next to the Christie Hospital.
But the fundraising efforts do not stop there and Breakthrough Breast Cancer are urging the people of the North West to get behind the appeal and help reach the £5 million target needed to keep the world renowned Research Unit open.
Chief Executive of Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Chris Askew said,
"We have been totally overwhelmed by the generosity of the guests who attended the ball and are so excited that this money will help us discover scientific breakthroughs at the Manchester Research Centre. Everyone who attended our event can take pride in the fact that they will be helping the 48,000 women and their families who are diagnosed every year in the UK with this devastating disease."
Katherine Swift, North West Appeal Project Manager said,
"I'm overjoyed with the results from the Glitter Ball but fundraising efforts can't stop there! Saturday evening laid some great foundations for the North West Appeal and now we're asking all those people who weren't able to attend or who have been inspired to help us raise money, to pick up the fundraising baton and continue in the race to reach our £5 million target. From bake sales to sponsored walks, every pound raised will go straight to the North West Appeal and our dream of a future free from the fear of breast cancer. You can even text to donate by texting BNWA01 £2 / £5 or £10 to 70070 thanks to Vodafone and Just Giving's new partnership. For more information on how to fundraise for Breakthrough visit breakthrough.org.uk/get_involved/ "
"We had such a brilliant night – the entertainment was amazing and we couldn't help but take a chance on the auction prizes!
What stood out most for me though was how many people will be affected by breast cancer – over 2,200 people from Greater Manchester and Cheshire alone are diagnosed every year. That's mums, daughters, aunts, grandmas – I can't imagine what families must go through so I'm glad that I was able to attend and play my part to help beat breast cancer for good."
Guests were treated to an evening of sumptuous food and exquisite entertainment from award winning dance duo Latin Emotion and the evening culminated in a ferocious bidding battle for the coveted auction prizes.
