On Saturday the 7th of December, nearly 500 guests braved the weather in their finest ball-worthy outfits to attend the official Macmillan Cancer Support Ball, ‘Greatest Show Ball’, hosted on the Ironworks’ grounds. The fantastic marquee, as kindly provided by Adrian at Border Bars and Marquees, was stunningly decorated with a variety of our sculptures, clusters of colourful balloons, a towering Christmas Tree from Leaton Forest Christmas Trees & Events Christmas Trees covered in silver stars as part of the ‘Be a Star’ Macmillan appeal, and a whole heap of sparkles to match!
Guests were greeted with a variety of circus acts as well as a beautiful choir performance from the The Very Nice Production Company, before sitting down to enjoy a three-course meal and cheese spread provided by Jennys Catering in Shrewsbury. Guy Hepworth from Adhoc Actors Professional Acting Company and Jeremy Lamond from Halls Auctioneers co-ordinated the night with a very lively auction which all attendees got involved in. Various awards were also given out to Macmillan staff and charity supporters to thank them for all their hard work throughout the year. Following the festive dinner, all guests were invited to dance the night away to the sound of a live band, Fourphit, before heading home long after the midnight hour had ticked by.
The Ball Committee, which includes Kelly Lowe and Sandra Preston, owners of Fairways Partnership, Kate Thomas, Macmillan Fundraising Manager for Shropshire, and the team at the British Ironwork Centre, have commented: “It has been a pleasure creating the Greatest Show Ball, with so many people attending and supporting Macmillan. The evening was incredible, a fantastic atmosphere, and the guests were so generous with their amazing support of Macmillan. Thank you to all our supporters and volunteers. The money raised will help support people living with and beyond cancer in Shropshire.”
Macmillan Fundraising Manager for Shropshire, Kate Thomas, said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to all the committee, Clive and his team at the Ironworks, and all the sponsors and volunteers who worked so hard to organise this spectacular evening. We are absolutely delighted with how the evening went, helping us raise vital funds to help people affected by cancer in Shropshire.”
The incredible amount raised on the night we can now reveal is £17,000!!!!! A truly fantastic figure for Macmillan!!! This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of everyone who contributed, volunteered and attended the ball!
All in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support in Shropshire, the ball proved to be an amazing success by not only raising crucial funds for the charity but also by providing all attendees with an experience like no other – it truly was a night to remember! Macmillan provide physical, financial and emotional support to those living with cancer throughout the Shropshire region, remaining by their side every step of the way to help them live their lives as fully as possible.
To give, fundraise or volunteer, please call 0300 1000 200 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk.
Pictured (Left to Right): Kelly Lowe & Sandra Prescott from Fairways Partnership; Sarah McManus from the British Ironwork Centre; Kate Thomas from Macmillan Cancer Support
