Northern Lights Charity Ball donates over £85,000 to Springhill Hospice

Photo: Howard Wilkinson Photography

Lillie Winterbottom, Michael Scott, Louise Scott, Harry Bell, Chris Bell, Julie Halliwell, Christian Morris, Beverley Wrigley, Andrew Nutter

Following the Northern Lights Charity Ball in September, current Rochdale Man of the Year, Harry Bell and his event committee have donated over £85,000 to Springhill Hospice.

That total is still yet to rise and is set to hit £101,000 once gift aid is added.

Springhill Hospice CEO Julie Halliwell said: “We are overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of Harry and his team and of course, the people of Rochdale. Without events like this the future of Springhill would be bleak.”

Last November Rochdalian Harry Bell earned the title of Rochdale’s Man of the Year, an honour given to those in the community who have gone above and beyond the call of duty and given freely of their time for the benefit of others.

Despite stiff competition from other deserving candidates, Harry won the hearts of the judges and has proved himself a worthy winner since.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/92827/harry-bell-man-of-rochdale-2014

Springhill Hospice Community Fundraiser Lillie Winterbottom said: “Once the crowds had gone, the photographer’s flashes had died down and a little peace and quiet resumed in the beautiful surroundings of Rochdale’s Town Hall, Harry took me to one side, asking ‘What shall I do now?’ He was already chomping at the fundraising bit, even after a few hours as Man of Rochdale.”

In reply to Harry's question Lillie simply replied: “Nothing Harry, you’ve earned this title through the years of hard work and effort, put your feet up.”

Harry ignored this instruction and has continued to help Springhill and other local charities.

Lillie added: “Harry isn’t bothered whether he’s sorting out a charity ball or marshalling at one of our sponsored events. He came along and helped out at the Santa Dash and even turned his hand to marshalling at Springy’s Sprint or Stroll in July – he even tried to change family arrangements so he could help out at April’s Hospice to Hospice Walk.”

However, helping at these events was just the start of something truly fantastic. Harry very quickly inspired a whole team of helpers, donors, sponsors and contributors for a magical event in September – The Northern Lights Charity Ball.

Guests from all over Rochdale spent a fabulous evening listening to guest speaker Professor Brian Cox and sampling the delights of a dessert made especially for the event by celebrity Chef Andrew Nutter, amongst other things. Guests were treated to a wonderful array of auctions and lucky dip prizes, including the auction of an autograph book donated to Springhill Hospice by supporter Colin Fleet. The book containing autographs of all the 1957 Busby Babes Team, alone raised £2,200.

The night was a huge success and what came next surprised everyone... even Harry.

Louise Scott, Northern Lights Charity Ball Committee member said: “When we had the initial idea for the ball we decided that we’d really like to raise enough money to keep the doors of Springhill Hospice open for one day, approximately £8,200. Little did we know that we would eventually donate enough money to fund over 10 days.”

The night was a very special one for local charities with over £100,000 being raised.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/98079/harrys-ball-hits-100k

Lillie added: “Thanks to all of the hard work and dedication of a team that included Harry Bell, Louise and Michael Scott, Beverley Wrigley, Steve and Sian Barton, Christian Morris, event organiser Julie Perry and everyone who donated and contributed to the night.”

Louise added: “We were overwhelmed with the response to the event and were so pleased for the charities of Rochdale. We would like to thank all those who sponsored and supported the evening.

“Harry would personally like to thank his committee for all the hard work over the last eight months.”

On Friday 27 November, at Rochdale’s 2015 Man of the Year award lunch, Harry’s reign will come to an end.