We did it! Another record breaking MJ Ball!
Now that I’ve had time to gather myself, I can look back and think…. WOW!
The stars were out in force on 16th November, to support this year’s Michael Josephson MBE Charity Ball.
A who’s who of stage, screen and sport attended the red-carpet event at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate, with Hollywood actress and model Elizabeth Hurley, accompanied by her son Damian Hurley making a special trip to Manchester to show their support. Also joining them was the beautiful and talented Patsy Kensit. Other notable guests included King of The Jungle, Christopher Biggins, former Manchester United and England captain Bryan Robson, Emmerdale’s Roxy Shahidi and Laura Norton, and celebrity couples Jorgie Porter and her partner Oliver Piotrowski, Ryan Thomas and fiancé Lucy Mecklenburgh and Nikki Sanderson alongside her partner Anthony Quinlan.
The evening’s entertainment was kicked off by Tony and Grammy-winning singer and actor Alfie Boe OBE, who wowed the guests with his performance of Bring Him Home and a brilliant number from Hamilton. He even joked about how he can now say that he’s sung for Liz Hurley! There was also a brilliant performance from the cast of Grease.
My friend and supporter, the pop icon Lulu also made a return to The Michael Josephson MBE Charity Ball, taking the stage as this year’s headline artist, after performing at the very first charity gala organised in 2018.
And it all worked, all the support, donations, effort, passion…. Because, we beat last years total. £1,204,488.78 in total… I can’t believe it!
The Michael Josephson MBE Charity Ball is all about raising funds to support the fantastic work our beneficiary charities undertake to give children in the Northwest and across the UK the best start in life. I want to thank everyone who has donated, pledged, and bid in our silent and grand auctions. Every year I am blown away by the generosity of the celebrities and guests who support the ball. You’ve no idea how much impact the money we’ve raised has on the charities we support. I am so proud of what we achieved.
As you know, the five main beneficiaries, including Variety, the Children’s Charity, Mahdlo Youth Zone, Seashell Trust, The Anne Frank Trust and Rainbow Trust – all work with children and young people in need of support. Funds raised from the evening will also go to support smaller local children’s and youth charities via a grants process.
I’d also like to say special thanks to the world-renowned celebrity event planner, Julie Perry Events, for organising something truly amazing, and the headline sponsor, global property investment specialists, Knight Knox. Nothing is possible without you!
