Mark Eedy, a director at Thomas Carroll Independent Financial Advisors based in Caerphilly, won the chance to visit the set of Coronation Street during an auction held at the NSPCC’s annual gala ball at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday 24 September. The event was attended by 400 guests and raised over £25,000 in aid of the charity’s Building Brighter Futures Appeal.
Mark won the opportunity for himself and four friends to step onto the famous cobbled street. The experience was kindly donated by Welsh songwriter and Coronation Street scriptwriter, Damon Rochefort, who also hosted the event. Two of the show’s stars Debbie Rush and Mikey North who play Anna and Gary Windass also attended.
Auction winner Mark said: “I would like to thank the team at Coronation Street for donating their time to provide the prize in support of a fantastic cause, NSPCC Cymru/Wales. I am looking forward to enjoying a pint in the Rovers Return!”
The auction was not the only highlight of the evening. Guests also enjoyed a live performance from Welsh performer Sophie Evans, currently starring in the West End production of The Wizard of Oz.
Sir Stanley Thomas OBE, Chairman of the NSPCC Building Brighter Futures Appeal said: “We’re extremely grateful to all those who have made this event possible and generously donated their time, prizes and money to the Building Brighter Futures Appeal. I’d like to give special thanks everyone who either donated or bought the fabulous auction and raffle prizes, and to all those who worked so hard to make this evening so special.
“Without everyone’s generosity and energy, the NSPCC would not be able to continue its crucial work with children in Wales. With these funds, we can continue to develop services for the most vulnerable and high-risk children to help their recovery from abuse.”
Money raised from the evening will go towards supporting the Building Brighter Futures Appeal, which was launched in April 2008 to fund the construction of Diane Engelhardt House – the NSPCC’s flagship centre for Wales and the ongoing development of vital services operating from the building.
Thanks to the generosity of donors and supporters, the appeal has raised more than £3.5m to date, but a further £700,000 is needed to ensure the charity can continue to make a fundamental difference to the lives of children and young people across South Wales. Pioneering services delivered from the centre focus on the most acute forms of abuse and the most vulnerable, highest-risk children.
By donating to the Building Brighter Futures Appeal, the public can help change a child’s life. To make a donation, please visit www.nspcc.org.uk/brighterfutures
