Gem Appeal 10th Anniversary Ball

Date published: 05 June 2005

The GEM Appeal Ball, which was meant to be a one-off, is still going strong 10 years on, this year’s ball took place at the Town Hall on Saturday 4 June. The star studded ball included guests such as Denise Welsh and Charlie Lawson from Coronation Street, page 3 Model Eve Threlkeld, local actor Paul Oldham and actors/actresses from Heartbeat.

Mayor of Rochdale Ashley Dearnley and Mayoress Beryl Wright both joined the crowd for the champagne reception and a meal in the great hall. Ashley said:  “I’m glad to be here tonight to show my support to the GEM Appeal, it is a remarkable charity organisation that has done so well over the years.”

He added: “I feel proud for such a ball to be held in the Rochdale Town Hall, we have celebrities here and a mass of people who are all here for a good cause.”

Charlie Lawson, who played Jimmy in Coronation Street, came along with colleague Denise Welsh who has supported the charity for many years. Charlie said: “ Denise Welsh invited me to a GEM Appeal Christmas Ball two years ago, and I was so moved by the story, I felt it was right to get involved. Anything that I can do for GEM Appeal I will.”

The GEM Appeal has spent years raising money for research into children’s illnesses, after chairman Karen Hoather lost two of her children to genetic/metabolic disorders. She has worked hard ever since to help raise funds for children with similar problems, as well helping her daughter Katie through childhood Leukaemia.

“I do what I do because I adore my children, including my two boys who died.” she said, “One day I will see them again. My daughter Katie shouldn’t be alive today but she is, and she is a special, special girl.”

Karen’s work has touched many over the years, including daughter Katie, who stood up and made her first public speech. Katie said: “My mum is my idol, my rock, and my friend. There is no one else in the world that could do what she’s done. There are lots of mums out there, but mine is extra special.”

The ball was a great success and raised £7000 for the appeal.

If you’d like to know more about the GEM Appeal, visit the website at: www.gemappeal.org.uk.

View more photos from the event.