Northcote at the Rovers Starlight Ball, Black Tie in aid of Cancer Research

On Friday 25th March, Northcote Group held the first Starlight Ball in aid of Blackburn District and Ribble Valley Cancer Research UK at Ewood Park. The stars were shining bright that evening as a total of £28,000 was raised for Blackburn District and Ribble Valley Cancer Research UK. Over 200 guests attended the charity ball with dazzling entertainment by Rick Guard and a spectacular menu created by Nigel Haworth.

Cancer Research UK is the world's leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research. Our groundbreaking work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has seen survival rates double in the last 40 years. But more than one in three of us will still get cancer at some point in our lives. Our research, entirely funded by the public, is critical to ensuring more people beat it.

The money was raised through Northcote's justgiving website; a silent auction and raffle draw. Some magnificent prizes were won on the evening; including signed football memorabilia from Manchester United FC and Arsenal FC; Ferrari Experience Day; Vouchers for Graham & Brown and a two night stay at the Ramada Encore, Belfast.

Commenting on the evening Craig Bancroft said, "It was truly a fantastic evening and we hope the memories of the night will stay with everyone that attended for a long time to come. The amount of money raised on the evening far exceeded any of our expectations and for that we can't thank everyone enough."

Eric Bancroft, President of Blackburn District and Ribble Valley Cancer Research Committee said, "Our committee has been in existence for over 50 years and the £28,000 which was raised at the Northcote Group Starlight Ball is the largest sum raised in a single event. The evening was a tremendous success and was a splendid way to raise funds and was made all the better through Craig Bancroft and Nigel Haworth's support."

He added, "Our committee is one of the best fundraising areas, raising just under £2.5million. This has mainly been achieved through private and local business donations, so the £28,000 raised at the ball will give us a tremendous boost."

Nigel Haworth said, "Due to the success of the event and the fantastic feedback from our guests, Craig and I would like to make the Starlight Ball an annual event. We look forward to seeing you at the Starlight Ball in March 2012."

Donation - please go to our justgiving site, www.justgiving.com/starlightball

You can view photos of the event on our Facebook Page.