Coronation Street stars descend on Milnthorpe for fundraiser (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Coronation Street stars descend on Milnthorpe for fundraiser

12:15pm Thursday 9th August 2012 in South Lakeland news By Daniel Orr, Reporter

A HOST of celebrities turned out in force to a Milnthorpe fundraiser to help a north Lancashire-based business with its fundraising quest.

More than 180 glamorous guests joined a host of celebrities and VIPs at the 10th Pure Leisure Group Charity Ball, hosted by Pure owner John Morphet, of Hale, near Milnthorpe, who also acted as auctioneer.

Pure, based at Yealand Redmayne, Carnforth, has now raised more than £70,000 for North West independent voluntary group Moodswings, which helps people with depression and anxiety.

Guests included Coronation Street stars, Jennie McAlpine - aka Fiz Stape, Antony Cotton – aka Sean Tully and Debbie Rush – aka Anna Windass who stole the show with a medley of songs including Cabaret River Deep Mountain High and Copacabana!

There was an auction of prizes that included luxury holidays in Barbados, jewellery from Diamonds International and signed memorabilia from TV and sporting celebrities.

Pure Leisure Group owner John Morphet, who has a string of award-winning UK holiday parks as well as the exclusive Royal Westmoreland estate in Barbados, has raised more than £500,000 for good causes since he started hosting charity balls in the grounds of the home where he grew up.

He said: “Not only were we celebrating our 10th anniversary in Diamond Jubilee year but another milestone was achieved as we welcomed our 2,000th guest since the event began in 2003."