July 2014

On Saturday (5th of July 2014), 220 guests attended the glamorous 12th Annual Charity Ball, hosted by Pure Leisure Group owner John Morphet and his wife Donna, in the grounds of Hall More House in South Cumbria.  The occasion supported the Manchester based Christie Charitable Fund.

The event raised an impressive £27,482 for The Christie Charitable Fund one of the largest hospital charities in Europe. The Christie Hospital treats more than 40,000 cancer patients a year and the money raised will go towards the funding of life-changing and potentially life-saving projects, including care and treatment, research, education and extra support.  The hospital offers a state of the art patient treatment centre in Manchester and has been pioneering cancer research breakthroughs for over 100 years.

There was a retro sixties and seventies twist for the evening, which began with a champagne reception.  Guests enjoyed a four course meal prior to the main event of the night, a fundraising auction which included as prizes; a fourteen night stay in a Royal Westmoreland Villa in Barbados; a Cartier watch and a selection of jewellery from Diamonds International. Musical entertainment was provided by 70’s’ Glam Rocker’ Alvin Stardust followed by 60’s legends The Tremeloes’

Amongst the guests were; Debbie Rush, who plays character Anna Windass in Coronation Street; Tim Farron, Liberal Democrat President and MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale; and David Morris, Conservative MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale. The MP’s also contributed an auction prize of lunch and drinks at the House of Commons!

John Morphet has raised over £1m for charities since he began hosting the annual ball in the grounds of the family home where he grew up. John commented: “The annual ball provides a unique opportunity to raise much needed funds and awareness for such a good cause which we are proud to be associated with. It is always a fun event and I’m pleased that together we can make a measurable difference to the lives of so many people.”
Charity Ball 2014 pictures gallery