WATCH: Best of Liverpool turn out for Clatterbridge Charity Ball

The city’s biggest names were out in force for The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity’s Best of Liverpool Ball this weekend (Friday 11 October), raising a massive £166,250 to support the build of Liverpool’s first cancer hospital which is set to open in 2020.

Held at The Titanic Hotel’s Rum Warehouse, the annual Clatterbridge cancer Charity Ball was enjoyed by more than 400 guests, who turned out to support the charity and celebrate the very best the city has to offer.

Guests on the night – hosted by The One Show’s Alex Riley – included Liverpool FC legends John Barnes, Phil Thompson and CEO Peter Moore as well as comedian Johnny Vegas, beauty industry legends Andrew & Liz Collinge and leading Artist Emma Rodgers along with a host of other local well known faces. Other VIPs included Amy Cookson, her daughter Ava and Mum Carol from West Derby.

After being diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2013 and receiving treatment at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Amy made the huge decision to study nursing and now works on the very ward where she was treated. Amy’s inspirational story was told to guests on the night and the family received a standing ovation as they took to the stage.

Amy says; “I wanted to say thank you to The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre for the incredible care I received and for getting me through such a difficult time. I just want to give back, to make at least one person feel the way I felt when I was there getting my treatment. If I can make that difference in someone’s life, it would mean the world to me.

Peter Moore of LFC

“The new hospital will be an amazing boost for the city, as well as all the patients and the staff. I can’t wait to see it open.”

With entertainment from The Mersey Boys and Cilla Black tribute act Vicky Jones, guests enjoyed an auction which saw Liverpool FC’s Chief Executive Peter Moore take to the stage personally to auction some incredible money can’t buy experiences. Other fantastic prizes included The Beatles ‘White Album, signed by Sir Paul McCartney, a rare photograph by Mike McCartney and a fabulous break in a French chateau, while restaurant Panoramic 34 gave one lucky bidder the chance to have chefs come to their home to prepare an evening of fine dining.

Phil Thompson and John Barnes

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The star prize of the evening, had to be an original maquette of The Beatles Statue, which stands on the Liverpool waterfront. The rare ‘Artist’s Copy’ was donated by Castle Fine Arts Foundry who also produced a film telling the story of how the sculpture was created. The maquette was accompanied on the night by a full size replica of the statue, which greeted guests on arrival at the event.

The Ball was generously sponsored by IT specialists CDW and Intel, The Johnson Foundation, Panoramic 34 and A&B Engineering.

Johnny Vegas

The money raised is a massive boost to funds as the Charity has £5m left to raise for its New Cancer Hospital Appeal, to help build The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool, which opens its doors in 2020. The new facility, along with developments at the specialist cancer centre’s Wirral site will transform cancer care in the region meaning 700 additional lives could be saved each year.

Johnny Vegas & Vicky Jones as Cilla

Katrina Bury, Head of The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, said; “The ball this year was called the Best of Liverpool and on Friday, the best of the region really did show up to support The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.

“The total raised on the night is absolutely amazing and will benefit people with cancer across our area who need the new Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool.

“A special mention must also go to our Appeal Board. Their generosity as every is overwhelming and the work they put into the Best of Liverpool Ball is invaluable.”

With one in two people set to experience cancer in their lifetime, the new Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool is needed now more than ever. The revolutionary, eleven-floor facility is located in the city’s Knowledge Quarter and once it opens its doors, it will allow patients have more access to pioneering clinical trials, immediate emergency care when they need it and overall better outcomes and patient experience.

To support The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, or for more information visit www.clatterbridgecc.org.uk

The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool is due to open in May 2020. For more information visit www.wewillbehere.co.uk.