Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Celebrate Christmas with a Touch of Sparkle

On Friday 9^th December Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity hosted its annual Christmas lunch, Sparkle in the City, raising over £26,000.

Held at the Midland Hotel in Manchester the event was hosted by the fabulous Heart North West Radio presenter, Lorna Bancroft and was attended by over 200 guests including Coronation Street star and charity patron, Faye Brookes and celebrity fashion designer, Nadine Merabi who attended with friends including DJ and model, Helen Holt.  Altrincham based Communications Agency C21 also bought a table and donated it back to the charity so that nurses from the children’s hospital could attend the glitzy event.

The day started at 11am with guests enjoying a champagne reception and the chance to shop from boutique Christmas stalls including The Naked Candle Company, Blossom Flowers and fashion boutique RUNWAY from Alderley Edge.

Guests then enjoyed a three course Christmas lunch and entertainment from Manchester based singer Kimm and swing and jazz singer Paul Pashley.

The highlight of the afternoon was designer to the stars, Nadine Merabi’s showcase of her fabulous collection. The festive fashion show alongside boutique, RUNWAY saw both daytime and evening party-wear being displayed by the fantastic models. Nadine’s collection, displayed at Sparkle in the City boasted the very best of her glamorous signature evening dresses. Drunk at Vogue DJ Greg Thorpe then rounded up the day with his party-starting DJ sets of disco classics and Christmas favourites.

Guests had the chance to win many exclusive auction prizes including a bespoke, made to measure gown by Nadine Merabi, the chance to join the Heart FM Breakfast Show Team for a morning and signed Manchester United and Manchester City football shirts.

All funds raised from this year’s event will go towards a project to transform the treatment rooms at the hospital’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit. It is important that therapeutic spaces are as welcoming as possible for patients and families so that they feel comfortable with receiving therapy and treatment. Funding from the event will help to create a warm and welcoming environment with soft furnishings and ambient lighting that is inclusive for children of all ages and all abilities.

Sue Lunt, Hospital Director for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, says:

“We are incredibly grateful to every single person who attended Sparkle in the City, donated prizes, or helped in any way possible. A fantastic amount was raised which will go towards making the treatment rooms in our Children and Adolescents Mental Health Unit much more welcoming, warm and comfortable for our patients when receiving treatment.”