Bridgerton Ball to raise funds for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity

Sister of former Clatterbridge patient is organising a Bridgerton Ball to raise funds for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity in memory of her sister.

When Danielle Goffin Ogilby’s sister Nicola was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, she stayed by her side in hospital and saw firsthand what a difference fundraising can make.

In March, Danielle is hosting a red-carpet event to raise money for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity in memory of Nicola, who died aged 45, leaving behind husband Eddie Bevan and their two young children.

Danielle explained:

“It’s really important to me to give back. Clatterbridge was incredible when looking after Nicola and our family during her treatment. Although we didn’t get the outcome we hoped for, I’ve seen how much of a difference every penny raised makes.”

The sisters grew up with a close bond in North Wales, where their mum Lynn Goffin still lives. Danielle said: “Nicola was my best friend and as adults we even moved to Chester around the same time so we could stay close.”

Nicola was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in March 2017 and began treatment at Clatterbridge.

“They were fantastic and by September 2018 we thought she was all clear,” Danielle explained. But not long after, while on holiday in Spain with her husband Eddie and their children, Nicola began to suffer seizures.

Danielle explained that four tumours were discovered on her brain. They managed to get her sister home and the doctors at Clatterbridge tried everything, but she deteriorated quickly. She added: “We remained with her throughout her struggle, but she passed away in November of that year.

“She was incredibly kind and the most loyal person you could know. Her caring and protective nature made her passing a significant loss for all who knew her.”

On March 6, Danielle will host a glamorous Bridgerton-inspired ‘soiree’ at The Chester Fields venue on the outskirts of Chester, where all the family used to celebrate Christmas. Manager Mark Jarvis has selflessly given up the use of the entire venue.

The fundraising event will feature Bridgerton-inspired dancers from House of Dance in Chester, and the well-known DJ Frankie Gioia on the decks. There will be luxury prizes, plus an auction with high end prizes that money can’t buy up for grabs, some of which include a half day Porsche experience at Silverstone, signed Everton football shirt, three day camping Deva Fest tickets with a backstage tour, and exclusive tickets to see the band The 1975.

Danielle has previously raised funds for the charity by abseiling down The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool and hosting a Barre Pilates brunch in Chester, replicating her sister’s event before she passed away.  

“This year I wanted to do something different in my sister’s memory and I want to be able to donate every single penny to Clatterbridge, which is why I’m so grateful to Mark and the team for their help and giving up the venue for the evening and so many others who has been so kind giving up their time helping and supporting the event.

“It’s not been easy to organise, I work full time, I’ve got two children and this isn’t my area of expertise, but I wanted to do my sister proud and raise as much as I possibly can for more research and specialist equipment that will help save lives and support families like ours.”

Before Nicola died, she had also raised money for Clatterbridge, organising a barre pilates brunch in Chester that brought in £10,000 in donations. Since then, Danielle has been determined to carry on her legacy.

She added: “It’s hard work, but I just keep looking at Nicola’s picture and that keeps me going. If I can save one person’s life with the money we raise, that’s all I can ask for. 

“I know it’s a difficult time for people with the cost-of-living crisis and I wouldn’t be asking friends and family to make donations if I hadn’t seen for myself how much of a difference Clatterbridge makes.”

Tanya Simpson, Community Fundraiser for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, shared her appreciation for Danielle’s efforts:

“I would like to thank Danielle for her commitment to fundraising for local people with cancer. Thanks to people like her, we can continue to help the one in two people affected by cancer in our region.”

Danielle’s Clatterbridge Charity Soiree will be held on Friday, March 6 at 7pm. For more information on tables and prices contact: claire@thechesterfields.co.uk 

Support Danielle’s fundraiser here.

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