St Catherine’s Hospice Summer Ball returns and Gazza’s back on the prize list

Margaret Calvert, Lynne Whittaker and Laura Calvert with the signed Gazza memorabilia

Preparations for a Preston hospice’s summer ball have received a boost with a signed picture of England legend Paul Gascoigne.

The picture of Gazza, along with one of his England caps, has been donated back by a mother and daughter from Samlesbury.

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Margaret and Laura Calvert attended the St Catherine’s Hospice Summer Ball last year and didn’t expect to have their bid succeed.

“We booked a table at the Summer Ball last year and it was a really brilliant night,” said Margaret, “we bid for a igned photo of Paul Gascoigne which also had his England cap in the frame – just because we wanted to help raise more money – but we didn’t expect to actually win it!

“It’s massive a great prize, so we’ve decided to donate it back for fans to bid on again this year.”

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Margaret’s father-in-law Joe was cared for at the hospice after being diagnosed with liver cancer.

She said: “My father-in-law chose to be at St Catherine’s in his last week, and we were fortunate that he was able to be there.

“When you see how hard the staff work caring for people, you really appreciate what the charity does for patients and their loved ones.

“They were very understanding and caring at what was an incredibly difficult time, and we are so grateful for the care Joe received, and the support we were given as a family.

“He would be really pleased to know that we’re continuing to support St Catherine’s.”

This year’s Summer Ball takes place on Saturday 11 June and includes a meal at The Mill, the hospice’s restaurant, and entertainment from The Soul Convicts.

Organise of the ball Lynne Whittaker said: “It’s so thoughtful of the Calvert family to donate the prize back for this year’s event, helping us to raise important funds to continue our work at the hospice and in the Central Lancashire community, caring for people with life-shortening illnesses.

“We’re also excited about this year’s ball, which promises to be as glamorous and fabulous as ever. We’re looking forward to seeing people dressed in their finery to enjoy a night out in our gorgeous summer marquee in the beautiful grounds of St Catherine’s Park.”

Tickets for the ball are £55 each or £500 for a table of 10 and are available via the hospice website. The Ball begins at 7pm.

Will you be going to the Summer Ball? Have you been before? Let us know in the comments below