Press release - 9th July 2009
Musical extravaganza hits the right note for The Christie
left to right Dave Bamford, Showcase Chairman and President of Eccles-based All Saints Musical Productions, Regional Appeals Officer at the Christie charity Howard Newhall, members of Sale and Altrincham Musical Theatre with Gordon Burns and Showcase Treasurer and Charity Co-ordinator, Helen Litherland.More than 1,000 people enjoyed a musical extravaganza at The Lowry in Salford Quays in aid of The Christie on Sunday, June 28th.
‘Showcase for The Christie’ featured seven of Manchester’s premier operatic societies and fans of the West End and Broadway were treated to show-stopping numbers from popular musicals including Mary Poppins, Jesus Christ Superstar and Mamma Mia.
Compere for the evening was Mike Sammon and BBC North West Tonight presenter and long-time Christie supporter Gordon Burns was guest of honour. His heartfelt appeal for The Christie at the interval doubled the night’s takings.
‘Showcase’ was the brainchild of the late Saunie Williams, a breast cancer patient at The Christie, and has raised over £100,000 for North West charities since it began in 1991.
Chairman of ‘Showcase’, Dave Bamford, who lives in Worsley, said: “It was a brilliant night and, looking at the audience, I think it was the biggest ‘Showcase’ concert to date. The Christie is such an emotional and worthy cause, almost everyone knows somebody who has been treated there.”
The raffle raised £4,000 which has been earmarked for the teenage Cancer unit at The Christie and organisers are hoping funds from ticket sales, which will also go to the charity, will match that amount. Raffle prizes ranged from top of the range digital cameras to bottles of Champagne.
The award winning teenage Cancer unit at The Christie is one of only eight dedicated cancer units in the country providing specialist care and facilities for young people between 16 and 24 years of age. The team of specialists at the unit include occupational therapists, physiotherapists and complementary therapists.
Regional Appeals Officer at the Christie charity, Howard Newhall, said: “We are so grateful for everyone’s hard work and support. ‘Showcase for The Christie’ was a fantastic success and the money raised will help pay for vital research, extra patient services and new developments.”
Notes to editor:
participating societies – Sale and Altrincham Musical Theatre, Salford Musical Theatre, Whitefield Operatic Society, Romiley Operatic Society, Prestwich Dramatic and Operatic Society, All Saints Musical Productions and Mossley Operatic and Dramatic Society.
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The Christie in Manchester is one of the leading cancer centres in Europe - registering around 12,500 new patients and treating about 40,000 patients every year.
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