The only hospice in Gloucestershire giving inpatient care has announced details of its prestigious Christmas celebration raising funds for its specialist services

For the first time the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court event will be held at the stunning Princess Hall at Cheltenham Ladies College, giving the exclusive opportunity for guests to celebrate with family, friends, staff or entertain partners and clients.

Taking place on Friday December 15 the evening offers a traditional Christmas celebration packed with live entertainment and seasonal surprises, including a champagne diamond raffle in association with RJ Spicer Goldsmith.

Hosting the evening, which is sponsored by Pulhams Coaches, is Craig Wright and auctioneer Philip Allwood, the star of Bargain Hunt, Flog It and Dickinson’s Real Deal will be overseeing the evening’s charity auction, sending some highly exclusive lots under the hammer to help raise funds for the hospice.

The evening will start at 7pm with a sparkling drinks reception and includes a gourmet traditional Christmas three-course dinner with wine and live music performances from The Chip Shop Boys.

Matt Reay, Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court’s event fundraiser, said: “This is the perfect seasonal celebration to bring friends, colleagues and clients together in the beautiful and historic surroundings of Princess Hall, Cheltenham Ladies College.”

“By booking a table of ten, you could be paying for three hospice nurses for a day and a bed for a day of inpatient care at our hospice. Over the past two years our sold out Winter Ball has raised £50,000, helping us to continue providing our vital hospice services supporting hundreds of local people and families.”

Kathryn Pulham, Director at Pulhams Coaches which is the event’s main sponsor, said: “We are delighted and proud to sponsor such a prestigious event and support such a worthwhile cause. It is a brilliant evening and we’re looking forward to helping raise much needed funds for the amazing care given at the hospice, which we have had personal experience of.”

Stuart Walby from The Chip Shop Boys said, “We’ve supported the hospice for a number of years at this winter celebration and it is always a fantastic night. As a Gloucestershire-based band we’re delighted to be providing the musical entertainment to help raise funds for such an important local cause.”

A table of ten costs £850, with individual tickets available at £90 each.

To reserve a place visit email leckhampton.events@sueryder.org or call Matt in the fundraising team on 01242 246 162.

The ball is one of a number of events taking place throughout the year to help raise funds for the hospice, which needs to raise £2 million a year so it can continue providing its round-the-clock specialist hospice and end of life care across its inpatient unit, day services and hospice at home team. For more information on Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice visit the website here.