Witches Ball raises over £40,000 for Claire House

Nov 14 2012 by Lorna Hughes

Mandy and Jan Molby

FUNDRAISING supremos the Wirral Witches raised more than £40,000 at their sixth annual ball in aid of Claire House.  

The event at Thornton Hall Hotel on Saturday was hosted by radio presenter and comedian Willy Miller.  

Entertainment came from comedian Josh Daniels and singer Peter Jones.   

Guests on the evening included Olympic bronze medal-winning gymnast Beth Tweddle,  former Liverpool FC stars Ian Rush and Michael Thomas and actress Gillian Kearney. 

Jane Kirkham, who founded Wirral Witches (Women in Touch with Claire House) with Mandy Molby, said: “I am delighted that the sixth annual Wirral Witches Ball has raised so much money  to support children with life-shortening illnesses and their families.   

“Mandy and I would like to sincerely thank our sponsors, those who have donated prizes and  bid for prizes and most of all those who came along to support the event.   

“To raise over £40,000 in such difficult economic times is a great achievement and every penny  will benefit very sick children.”  

The event was sponsored by Hallmark Jewellers in Heswall and female guests received a  goody bag worth over £100, courtesy of Estee Lauder.  

Auction prizes included signed football memorabilia, Champions League final tickets, directors’  box tickets for Anfield, a signed Tom Daley shirt and a Come Dine with Me experience hosted  by former Liverpool star Jan Molby and broadcaster Derek Hatton, a staunch Evertonian.   

The money raised from the ball will fund a specialist nurse for a year as well as the Claire House children’s Christmas party.