On Friday 24th April, over 300 people gathered to support St Cuthbert’s Hospice at the annual Ladies Lunch, kindly organised by the team at Ramside Hall Hotel. The event is held to help raise funds for the much loved charity who rely heavily on donations from the public to deliver their care free of charge to people in County Durham.
Guests were treated to an intimate interview with the South Shields singer, who won X Factor in 2009, Joe McElderry. He shared anecdotes and stories from his time on the X-Factor, his music career and as a performer on the stage.
Alex Lloyd, Community Fundraiser, said: “We were absolutely thrilled that Joe was able to support us for this event. He was the perfect guest, bringing loads of humour and character to his interview. He graciously took questions from the audience and even gave us a little impromptu performance of a Whitney Houston classic – the whole room was buzzing with goosebumps at that moment.”
“Many in attendance have direct experience of the care at St Cuthbert’s Hospice, many come to support a local good cause and we definitely had a lot of people there just to see Joe. We’re so grateful to all who came along to the event. We’re still adding up all the fabulous donations, but it’s looking like it will be over £11,000. A huge sum that will make a real difference to those we care for.”
Joe spoke passionately about his North East roots and wanting to support charities to give back to the community. He revealed that he has new music being released this summer with a music video to be filmed soon, and will take part in a production called Something in the Water, where talent from around the North East will perform and raise funds to support the next generation.
Guests at the event enjoyed a three course meal, browsed shopping stalls from local businesses and took part in a silent auction. The event was compered by Jamie Tinkler and kindly sponsored by Reef Salons.
