Blooming good time at Ladies Lunch

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as Jake Quickenden performed at the glamorous Francis House flower-themed Summer Ladies Lunch event.

Darren Proctor, Jake Quickenden and Lucy Thompson Francis House events manager.

Headline act ITV’s ‘Dancing on Ice’ winner Jake, sang a powerful acoustic set which had the ladies at the Principal Hotel in Manchester dancing in the aisles.

The 120 guests were also treated to a meet and greet photo-opportunity with the ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!’ finalist.

Jake said: “I’ve loved doing this and it’s great to raise money for such a worthwhile charity.”

In 2014 Francis House opened a £3.5 million young adult wing to provide an age-appropriate environment for teenagers and young adults with life-limiting conditions.

“When my brother had cancer he was on a children’s ward and with kids his own age. But when he turned eighteen he had to go onto the adults ward with people a lot older than himself.

“I think it’s great that Francis House continues to provide its services to the teenagers and young adults for as long as they want to come to the hospice,” Jake added.

The event began with a performance by singer Liam McClair, followed by a delicious two course lunch.

Among the invited guests, who were treated to a fashion show by Fuzzy Goose Boutique, were five mums who attend the hospice for respite care with their children.

 

DJ Darren Proctor hosted the event, energetically drumming up donations through a charity auction.

“Francis House is so incredible, not only in what they do for the young people but also their family members are given a break,” said Darren.

The lunch raised £6,500 which will go towards the running costs of providing bereavement support services at the hospice.

Lucy Thompson, Francis House events manager said: “We would like to say a big thank to everyone for supporting the lunch and to the many people who donated fantastic prizes for the raffle and auction.

“Darren, Jake, Liam, the team at the Principal Hotel, stall holders and volunteers who all worked so hard to ensure that everyone had a great time as well as raising valuable funds for Francis House.”