Francis House fund raiser news

xcept · Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 1:08 pm Post subject: Francis House fund raiser news

WHAT better way to finish a day of polo and Pimms, than with Peter Kay?

More than a thousand revellers seemed to think so as they packed into a charity fundraiser with the Bolton comedian at the weekend, after the inauguaral tournament of Chester Racecourse Polo Club.

Peter was at the bash, attended by the glam Cheshire set and celebs including Coronation Street star William Roache and wife Sara, to help raise funds for the Didsbury-based Francis House Hospice.

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His star billing helped to sell out the do within an hour of going on sale - and profits from ticket sales alone raced up to ¬£80,000.

But kind-hearted Peter even did his own bit of fundraising on the night - including as part of his stand-up set the auction of a signed Radio Times cover that he had signed - which went for ¬£4,000.

He said: "¬£4,000, that's great. I've got about 20 of them in the back of my car."

He also cheekily poked fun at opera star Russell Watson - who had to pull out of the event at the last minute.

Peter said: "I'll do a bit of singing seeing as Russell let us all down", before doing a rendition of Lionel Ritchie's Hello.
The audience lapped up his stand-up routine, which pleased Peter, who said: "I might not have done it for four years but I still can. I've just been away having a family."

Francis House corporate fundraising manager David Woodrow was bowled over by the success of the event. He said: "We came in with a total of ¬£83,000, and that's mainly thanks to Peter Kay who performed tonight for us completely free of charge.

"We raised more than ¬£60,000 on top of that on the night, and that means even more money will go directly towards helping the children in our care."

SOURCE: Manchester Evening News

Rosemary · Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 8:45 am Post subject:

I Just want to say that Russell would have been devastated at being unable to
attend the Francis House Fund Raising evening on June 2nd because, apart from
his fans, he would apparently be letting down Kirsty, which I am sure he would
never willingly do. Love and best wishes to Russell from
Rosemary.

volare · Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 7:57 pm Post subject:

I totally agree with you Rosemary, and am glad you posted. Razz

I feel it was very unprofessional of Peter Kay to make that remark. Francis House is very dear to Russell's heart, and of all things he would have been there if he possibly could.

Baroness of Watson · Joined: Jan 16, 2006 Posts: 42 Location: Caliornia

I thought Peter Kay's remark was uncalled for - I didn't care for the wording at all. I am sure there was a perfectly good reason for Russell not being at that event as Francis House is one of his favorite charities. Smile