A ball organised as a tribute to the late wife of ‘super sub’ David Fairclough raised around £55,000 for a hospital charity. The Jan Fairclough Ball at the Hilton in Liverpool was a sell-out with 260 guests and generous backing from sponsors.

The event was in aid of a Home from Home Appeal at The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, to build relatives’ accommodation and extra rehabilitation facilities. David, who attended with his children Tom and Sophie, said: ‘I was very moved when I was asked if the ball could be named after Jan. Although Jan could not be saved after a brain aneurysm two years ago, she was given fantastic care at The Walton Centre and all our family were struck by the skills and compassion of the staff.’