Debut delight as ball raises £7,500

Charity stars . . . (from the left) NSPCC volunteers Beverley and Amanda Flynn, pictured with “Coronation Street” star Craig Gazey, Nathalie Coverley, NSPCC community fundraising manager, and volunteer Faye Dyke

A kind-hearted team of fund-raisers scored a glittering success with its first event.

Now the special events team for the NSPCC in Oldham is seeking ideas to raise even more money for the charity.

Spearheaded by Grasscroft sisters Amanda and Beverley Flynn, the team of volunteers, which also includes Faye Dyke, raised a staggering £7,500 at a summer ball staged at the White Hart at Lydgate.

“Coronation Street” star Craig Gazey, a former pupil at Our Lady’s RC High School, Royton, who plays Graeme Proctor, presented raffle prizes to some of the 180 guests.

The money raised at the ball will help the NSPCC’s regional services which support children who have suffered abuse, neglect or cruelty.

It will also benefit the charity’s Child’s Voice Appeal which aims to raise £2.7 million in Greater Manchester to expand the ChildLine service and the NSPCC Helpline for adults who are concerned about a child.

Nathalie Coverley, NSPCC community fund-raising manager, said: “Just £4 could ensure that when a child plucks up the courage to ask someone for help ChildLine is there to answer their call.

“We rely on public donations and money raised really will make a difference to children’s lives.

“The ball gave us the opportunity to tell more people about the work we do to help children and young people.

“We’re always looking for volunteers and fundraising ideas so if you fancy doing something to support the NSPCC, please get in touch.”

Amanda Flynn, a human resources manager, said: “We were absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity of local people.

“We would like to say a massive thank-you to everyone who supported us. We are ecstatic at the success and very pleased at the amount raised by our first event.

“We are now trying to come up with ideas for our next fundraiser and anyone who would like to join our group and help is welcome.”

For more information about the NSPCC and how to support them, contact the North-West Appeals team on 0161-628 1209, or e-mail northwestappeals@nspcc.org.uk .