Impressive £70,000 raised at the Springhill Hospice Starlight Ball

Date published: 25 October 2024

Springhill Hospice celebrated its 35th anniversary in style, hosting the Starlight Ball at Rochdale Town Hall on 5 October. The event proved a major success, raising over £70,000 in vital funds for the hospice, thanks to the generosity of supporters and the participation of special guests.

The night of celebration brought together a mix of local residents, sponsors, and hospice patrons for an evening filled with live entertainment, exceptional food, and a special auction.

Esteemed guests included Springhill patrons Lady Mary Peters and Sue Devaney, along with rugby legend Kevin Sinfield CBE, all of whom lent their support to the cause.

Vicki Barnett, the corporate and partnerships fundraiser at Springhill Hospice, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support: she said: “Raising over £70,000 is truly amazing, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity and support of everyone involved.

"A huge thank you to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and guests for making this event such a triumph.”

The night’s entertainment featured an array of talented local performers. Guests were treated to acts by Rochdale Music Service, Rock Choir, Turners Dance Studio, the Soul’d Out band, and close-up magic by Ian Lavin.

Host Cole Page kept the evening lively and engaging, while Sue Devaney thrilled the audience with a surprise performance of “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien” by Edith Piaf and “Stupid Cupid” by Connie Francis, bringing an added touch of joy to the celebration.

A highlight of the evening was the auction, where attendees could bid on an array of impressive items and experiences.

The ball also featured an auction where guests could win some impressive items and experiences. During the event Kevin Sinfield presented an England shirt from the 2023 World Cup signed by the England squad, which he had kindly donated to be auctioned at the ball.

Reflecting on the success of the evening, Springhill Hospice’s chief executive, Sam Wells, described the Starlight Ball as “a night to remember.”

She said: “Not only were we celebrating 35 years of Springhill Hospice, but we were raising money to ensure we can continue to provide the care that’s so desperately needed.

“The total of more than £70,000 was beyond our wildest dreams and will mean we can continue to be there for people in the borough when they need us most. I’m so grateful to our amazing team and brilliant supporters.”

Founded in 1989, Springhill Hospice has long been a pillar of care and support in the Rochdale community, providing specialised palliative care for patients and families facing life-limiting illnesses.

Funds raised from events like the Starlight Ball play an essential role in allowing the hospice to continue its mission and ensure its services remain available for those in need across the borough.

This year’s Starlight Ball success marks another significant step in Springhill’s commitment to its community, helping ensure that it can continue to offer comfort and support for many years to come.