By Jack Titley
The Radcliffe-based Blossom Appeal holds its 10th Gala Dinner this Saturday at Manchester’s Midland Hotel.
Some very charitable soap stars will join the party of 400 in the hotel’s prestigious Alexandra Suite, hoping to raise £14,000.
The ten-year-old Blossom Appeal, chaired by local woman Iris David, supports staff and patients of North Manchester General Hospital, known by local residents as Crumpsall General.
An enthusiastic Mrs David said: “There will be lots of activities including karaoke and bingo, with one lucky winner given a Sainsbury’s trolley dash on Sunday, in the style of Supermarket Sweep.”
Joining them will be Bury’s own Kym Marsh, who plays feisty bargirl Michelle in Coronation Street.
Mrs David added: “There will also be a host of Emmerdale and Hollyoaks stars; we can’t wait!”
The charity dinner follows a unique ‘Swishing’ party in Whitefield’s Carlton Club, where almost 50 high quality goods, such as designer hand-bags, were swapped between guests as they kindly donated towards the appeal.
Mrs David said from its humble beginnings no-one could have foreseen the huge support the charity would receive and it has gone from strength to strength.
The charity is in the process of talks with hospital staff about the possibility of funding an integrated Breast Care Unit.
This is expected to cost in excess of half a million pounds, of which Blossom has agreed to donate half.
