Tony Hadley and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen mark Shooting Star children's hospice's fifth birthday

~ The Richmond Twickenham Times - 10/07/2010 ~

A star-studded line up helped a children's hospice mark its fifth birthday.

Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley joined comedian Bobby Davro, West End star Michael Ball and TV presenter Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen at a party to celebrate the Shooting Star 's milestone.

Hadley performed a live set at Syon Park last Thursday and was later presented with a giant birthday cake – created by Anthony Marshall, executive chef at the Hilton in Park Lane – in celebration of his 50th birthday in June.

Shooting Star hospice, in Hampton, provides care and support for terminally-ill children and their families in west London. The charity needs to raise £3.5m every year to continue its work.

An auction with prizes including four backstage tickets to a Michael Ball concert, a track day at Silverstone and a framed piece of art created by a child at Shooting Star House was held on the night.

In total, £50,000 was raised.

Karen Sugarman, Shooting Star's director of fundraising development, said: “The last five years has been an incredible journey.

“In that time we have supported more than 400 families and it simply wouldn't have been possible without the help of so many people, from our fantastic patrons and celebrity friends right through to our supporters working tirelessly in their communities.”