Black Tie & Diamonds Ball

Black Tie and Diamonds Spring Ball - Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford, Saturday, 23 April 2005

Fundraising for the Robyn Brooks Trust received its second major boost within two weeks when the Robyn Brooks Appeal Black Tie and Diamonds Spring Ball at the Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford, brought in about £2,500.

Singer Tony Grant showed why he is one of the country's leading Freddie Mercury tribute acts with a fantastic set of Queen hits includinng the immortal 'We are the champions' and the classic 'Radio Ga Ga'.

Tony really looked the part going through Queen's different eras and filled the dancefloor with his songs, finshing his show by coming on dressed in Freddie's royal outfit.

Another talented singer Chenai, who many will have seen reach the last 14 of Sharon Osbourne's group in the TV talent show 'The X-Factor', also sang superbly. Her rich soulful voice was greatly appreciated by the audience and she surely has a bright future ahead of her.

Young Bradford singer Leia, aged just 13, also added to the entertainment with her rendition of 'Sweet Child of Mine'.

Compere John Broadbent guided guests through the evening, ably assisted by his wife Marissa, and there were some terrific raffle and auction prizes including a week's accommodation for four people in Tenerife donated by Club Olympus and the Rhodes Family.

Phil Edmends of Early's of Whitney, suppliers of bedding to Harrods, gave more than £200 of bedding and there were £150 of Ann Summers goodies provided by Paula Arnett, manager of their Bradford store.

Briadford Bulls Rugby League team provided some great prizes including a signed shirt, signed ball, and entry to the ground for four people with the names of the people who bid for the prize up in lights.

Popstars Atomic Kitten, who are also long term supporters of the trust, provided a set of goodies for a prize.

There were also some Virgin Vie beauty products courtesy of Janine Brown. Lisa Broadbent, of Celebrations Party Shop, Bradford, donated a gift voucher as well as providing the balloons for the evening.

Tony Cahill of C an C Builders was another sponsor of the evening.

One of the main organisers of the event was Angie Tunnacliffe who is the aunt of Pop Idol Gareth Gates and a supporter of the trust almost since it began raising money for Robyn in August 2001.

She was helped by her friends Maxine Wardman, who heard of Robyn's plight through her website and suggested to Angie they should get involved in the trust, and Donna Bent and Angie's daughter Michelle.

With her husband Adie, Angie provided a voucher for their new opticians A and A Tunnacliffe, Bradford.

Angie said: "We've had a fantastic evening and we're really pleased to have raised so much money. We're very grateful to all our sponsors and everyone who came tonight and gave so generously.

"Our singers were also terrific and helped make the night extra special. We're already looking forward to next year's ball which we hope will be even more successful and raise even more money to help children with cancer."

Brian Brooks, trust manager, said: "I would like to thank everyone who helped organise the event and all those who came. Every penny we raise is vital in our fight against childhood cancer."