The first St. Joseph’s Hospice Midsummer Night Ball was a real triumph, raising thousands of pounds for the hospice.

It was a night of glitz and glamour with some of its newest business supporters helping to launch what is the most stylish and elegant event in its fundraising calendar.

The hospice’s fundraising team were so delighted with the event that they have snapped up the same venue, the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool, for next year’s Midsummer Ball, which will be held on Friday 19th June 2020.

The hospice was overwhelmed by the support shown by many of our newest business supporters, with C&D Properties, who are currently supporting the hospice as its charity of the year, standing up during the evening to tell everyone why they were pledging their support to the hospice.

The evening kicked off with a welcome speech by hospice chief executive, Mike Parr, who introduced the hospice and explained the important work of the charity. Later, clinical director, Clare Waller, gave a very moving speech about her special memories of visiting her own father there when she was a child.

Two very special guests, Ann and Brian Hayes kindly gave up their evening to tell everyone about their very recent experience at the hospice after their mum passed away there just last month. Ann shared their very moving story with guests at the Ball and spoke passionately about the importance of the hospice and the care and dignity given to patients at the end of their life.

Norma Young, head of fundraising at St. Joseph’s Hospice, said: “Our host and compere, Ronnie Ore, did a tremendous job encouraging everyone to raise as much money as possible for the hospice.”

After the raffles and auctions, Liverpool’s King of Swing, Asa Murphy, took to the stage and got everyone up on their feet. Asa and his band performed a range of songs from Mack the Knife to rock and roll hits like Twistin’ the Night Away.

Jim Forshaw, from the North Liverpool Business Forum, was there on the night to show his support along with other business colleagues from the networking group. Jim has first hand experience of the hospice as it’s where his father passed away in 2011.

Jim said: “The Ball was a fantastic success; we all had a wonderful evening and we’ll definitely be back next year. The hospice really needs the support of businesses across Merseyside as we all rely on it being there for us at our time of need. If your business is looking for a charity to support, get in touch with the hospice as there are so many more people out there who would benefit from hospice services.”

Norma continued: “It’s always hard launching a brand new event but the hard work certainly paid off and we’re delighted to be able to announce next year’s Midsummer Ball already so make sure you get 19th June 2020 in the diary. We’d like to say a really big thank you to all those who came along to support our very first Midsummer Ball and we look forward to welcoming you all back next year.”

To pre-order your seats for next year’s Midsummer Night Ball on Friday 19th June 2020, call 0151 932 6044 or email events@jospice.org.uk.

Photo from our Midsummer Night Ball are available to view or download here.