The voluntary group, along with Hospice Senior Managers Julie Hildreth and Greg Hildreth is busy planning the Alice House Party, which takes place on 14 October at Wynyard Hall and will be raising funds for the care services provided by the Hospice.

Simon and Jamie helped to organise the last two Hospice dinners and felt that it was time to build on the success of those events and bring together as many Hartlepool people and businesses as possible to support the Hospice. Simon will also be compere on the night.

The event includes house music DJs, close-up magic, a raffle, an auction and other games. Guests will enjoy a drinks reception and then a three-course dinner in the lovely surroundings of Wynyard Hall.

“We have a great team working on this event and hope to sell 19 tables; there is already a lot of interest, so early booking is advisable. The events we have previously held at Wynyard have all been great nights and we’re expecting this one to be even bigger and better, especially in terms of our fundraising total.

To keep things fresh, we have changed the format of the event this time with the house music theme, so we’re expecting a packed dancefloor too.”

Speaking about the Hospice’s funding situation, Julie said “It costs over £3.5m to fund our services for one year. We receive just less than 21% of this in Government funding, leaving a shortfall of just under £8,000 to be raised every single day. This is why we need the support of local people and businesses to ensure the future of local Hospice care.

Thanks to everyone who has supported so far, we are all looking forward to a great night and raising lots of much-needed money for a very special cause.”

Julie Hildreth, Fundraising Senior Manager at the Hospice