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Press Releases 2009 Press Releases 2009 Lunch4Life
Press Releases 2009 Press Releases 2009 Lunch4Life
| Lunch4Life |
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| Written by Communications Team |
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Over 200 people gathered at Wentworth Club in Virginia Water, Surrey on Monday, 2nd March 2009 for the third annual Lunch4Life. The proceeds of this charity luncheon, amounting to over £35,000, will be donated to Marie Curie Cancer Care (registered charity number 207994) and the Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals Breast Unit.
Several entertainers, all of whom donated their services, amused the crowd throughout the luncheon. Paul Holgate of So Sinatra, backed by Toby Cruse on piano, provided musical accompaniment during the welcoming glass of champagne. Paul carried on crooning throughout the three-course meal, attended by Christopher Biggins, Edwina Currie, Sue Holderness, Gloria Hunniford, Mark “Sharky” Robinson, and Major Paul Blair and L/Cpl Danny Kelly of the ‘Red Devils’ Parachute Regiment Freefall Team. A surprise performance by Simon Greenhill and Craig Adams of Elegant Entertainment so livened up the proceedings that guests joined in, dancing between the tables. Mr. Robert Allton presided as master of ceremonies.
Mrs. Lorna Ponti, Chairman of the Lunch4Life committee, is a survivor of breast cancer. Her surgeon, Ashrod and St. Peter’s Hospitals Consultant Surgeon Ms. Sunita Shrotria, described some of the cutting-edge technology used in identifying and treating breast cancer. Some of the money raised will help to fund Ashford and St. Peter’s trial use of equipment that aids sentinel node biopsy, which determines if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
Mrs. Sandra Osborne, representing Marie Curie Cancer Care, also spoke movingly of the high-quality nursing care they provide, totally free of charge. These dedicated nurses ease both the physical and emotional pain of terminally ill people, and make it possible for them to be cared for at home, surrounded by those who matter most to them.
Christopher Biggins, “King of the Jungle” and winner of Celebrity Come Dine With Me, was highly entertaining as he parted guests from their money during the main fund-raising event, a live auction. In addition, guests had the opportunity of winning over 100 prizes that had been donated for a raffle. The generosity of several benefactors also made it possible for a portion of the ticket price of £70 to be donated to the charities.
After the event, Lorna Ponti expressed her gratitude. “This year’s luncheon was unbelievable, considering the economic climate. We still managed to raise a sensational amount of money for both charities. I can’t thank everyone enough for their time and generosity.”
The Lunch4Life committee is made up of Lorna Ponti, Jacci Cleghorn, Caroline Davies, Christina Gale, Sue Mason, Mary Mitchell, Zara Redhead, Ann Tanner and Barry Tehrani. Anyone wishing to make a donation or wanting more information can contact the committee through www.lunch4life.co.uk.
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 05 March 2009 17:27 ) |
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Ashford Hospital, London Road, Ashford, Middlesex, TW15 3AA
Switchboard: 01784 884488
St. Peter’s Hospital, Guildford Road, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 0PZ
Switchboard: 01932 872000
Switchboard: 01932 872000
