High kicks and CanCans raise £20,000 for Wythenshawe Hospital

High kicks and CanCans raise £20,000 for Wythenshawe Hospital

A little piece of Paris appeared at The Point at Old Trafford Cricket ground on Saturday night as 300 guests donned feathers and ruffles for The Duerr’s Lady Marmalade Ball, in aid of Wythenshawe Hospital’s One in a Million appeal.

Final figures are still being totted up as donations to the cause flood in, however, the event to date raised £2,000.

The money raised will go towards the hospital’s One in an Million Appeal to raise £1milion to help refurbish the antenatal facilities and maternity unit at Wythenshawe Hospital.

The black tie dinner and auction began with a champagne drinks reception before the curtains were drawn to reveal Moulin Rouge dancers and acrobats. As the guests took their place for dinner on the tables, a stunning candelabra and feather centre piece caught the eye, nestled on the opulent red-draped tables.

Following an introduction and grace from fifth generation brothers Mark and Richard Duerr, the guests tucked into a three course meal of Mrs Kirkhams Lancashire Cheese tartlet, roast leg of lamb and sticky toffee pudding with Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge projected onto giant screens.

Felicity Goodey of UHSM delivered a heart felt plea to the audience just before the auction began. Prizes included a training day with Lancashire Cricket Club, a holiday to one of Duerr’s honey producers in Chile, and finally, a money can’t buy prize: dinner at your home cooked by Duerr’s operations director Paul Dineen with wine served by Richard Duerr which raised almost £4K.

Guests danced into the small hours to the sounds of funk band One Stop Boogie.

Managing Director Mark Duerr, whose two children were born at Wythenshawe Hospital comments: “It was a stunning event that raised money for an exceptionally good cause. I’m very proud of all the team who worked hard to stage a memorable event that will deliver real value to the community.”