A WILLY WONKA THEMED ball raising funds for a brain injury charity has had some sweet support – in the shape of legendary pop singer Marc Almond.
The WonderLAN Ball, run by Durham-based EMG Solicitors, will take place in Newcastle for the second time on 10 November, to raise money for Headway’s Look Ahead In the North project.
And now organisers are thrilled that the iconic performer – who has sold more than 30 million records worldwide – has given his services free and will be performing at the event.
The singer, who sprang to fame as the front man of group Soft Cell, has been a strong supporter of Headway following a motor bike accident 12 years ago, which left him with a range of injuries that took two years for him to recover from.
“Headway is a charity close to my heart,” said Marc.
“My head injury affected me significantly in the early days. I had problems with my speech while I also suffered from mood swings.
“But I was fortunate as I was able to make a good recovery, other people are not so fortunate and need the support of Headway to help them rebuild their lives.”
Emma Gaudern, MD of EMG Solicitors – which manages trusts and deputyships for people with catastrophic brain injuries – works actively with Headway and is hoping the event will bring in some much-needed funds.
“Last year was the first time we ran the WonderLAN Ball and it was a huge success,” she said.
“We are already very excited about this year’s being a Willy Wonka themed evening and the fact that we now have someone of Marc’s calibre and reputation performing really will put the icing on the cake.”
Marc’s performance will be the latest in a long line of recent successes including the release of a new boxed set and taking part in the BBC David Bowie Prom at the Royal Albert Hall, as one of the singers helping to celebrate the musician’s greatest works.
The WonderLAN ball is being held at Newcastle’s Great North Museum: Hancock and includes a Willy Wonka drinks reception, three course, chocolate themed dinner and a range of other surprises.
The event is being held to raise money to support the LAN (Look Ahead in the North) weekend which Headway groups in the region runs annually.
The event brings together brain injury survivors and their families for a residential programme of outdoor activities, therapies and workshops at The Calvert Trust at Kielder. The more money that can be raised at the ball, the more people will be able to attend.
Tickets for the WonderLAN ball are £55 each and available by contacting EMG Solicitors at events@emgsolicitors.com or call 0191 383 7425.
