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Stars aligned to celebrate 20 years of The Shooting Star Ball

November 26, 2024

A host of stars joined 350 guests on Saturday 23 November to show their support for The Shooting Star Ball, which was celebrating its 20th year, in aid of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices.

Our annual event took place at The Royal Lancaster Hotel and was hosted by TV and stage star Brian Conley. Guests were entertained by a fantastic performance from Vice-President Tony Hadley MBE and his band, which included a special duet with Julie Forsyth, whose father Sir Bruce Forsyth was the first person to host an event for the charity.

Tony also took to the stage earlier in the evening, together with Vice-President Dame Joan Collins DBE, to share how much the charity means to them. Also showing their support on the night were Patrons Lauren Silverman and Laurence and Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen. Celebrity guests included Elizabeth and Damian Hurley, Julian Clary, Leigh Francis, Brenda Blethyn, Don Black, Dame Maureen Lipman and Dutch sensations Rene and Natasja Froger.

Guests enjoyed a three-course ‘winter warmer’ dinner, before taking part in a money-can’t-buy auction hosted by auctioneer Charlie Ross. Auction prizes included some incredible prizes donated by VP’s Simon Cowell, Dame Joan Collins and Tony Hadley, plus a brand new Mini.

Karen Sugarman MBE, Executive Vice-President of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices said, “The Shooting Star Ball is always a very special evening where we are able to come together to raise vital funds for the families who need our support. This year is all the more special as we celebrate its 20th year. We are so thrilled and overwhelmed with the generosity of every single guest. Without whom, we simply would not be able to provide the vital care to children and families facing unimaginable circumstances.”

Paul Farthing, Chief Executive of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices said, “The Shooting Star Ball is a fantastic celebration of the incredible team at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and the vital work we deliver. Thanks to those for their support over the past 20 years and their continued support looking ahead, to help us to reach our ambition of supporting every family with a life-limited child or whose child has died, when they need us.”