On Friday 25th April, we celebrated something truly special. The Sutcliffe Charity Spring Ball brought together a room of colleagues, friends of Sutcliffe, healthcare professionals and supporters, that were all united by one common goal – to make a meaningful difference.
With an ambitious fundraising target of £75,000, we set out to support a number of charities close to our hearts, organisations that provide life-changing care and services every single day across the Liverpool City Region. Thanks to the generosity of our guests, sponsors and supporters, we’re proud to say we not only met that goal, we exceeded it.
At Sutcliffe, giving back to the community has always been one of our core values, and this year, we supported three incredible charities: the Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity, the Liverpool University Hospital Charity, and Clatterbridge Cancer Charity. Each of these charities play a crucial role in supporting patients and families across the region, ensuring access to cutting-edge treatments, essential equipment, and emotional support when it’s needed most.
We shared a powerful video with a personal message as Jacqui Johnson bravely told her story of the past 10 months living with breast cancer and the care and support she has received. Her heartfelt reflection on the care she’s received from Liverpool’s hospitals reminded us all why we were there – to ensure these services continue to be available for others who need them. Jacqui’s courage and honesty captured the spirit of the night perfectly, and her story was a powerful reminder that behind our fundraising target are lives that can be touched, or changed.
Beyond the fundraising, the ball was a true celebration of people, of purpose, and of community. There was dancing, singing and laughter. The energy of a room full of people coming together for something bigger than themselves was a powerful reminder of the importance of face-to-face interaction.
To everyone who attended, donated, partnered, or simply helped spread the word, thank you. Your support has made a real and immediate impact, and we are beyond grateful.
We look forward to sharing updates on the projects your donations will help fund and we’re already excited about what next year will bring. Until then, thank you for making the 2025 Sutcliffe Charity Ball one to remember.
Thank you to our headline sponsor Austin Wilkinson Demolition.
What we had to say on the night
Jacqui Johnson, Communications Director, Sutcliffe, said:
“My journey has been incredibly tough, but I’ve been fortunate enough to have the support of our amazing NHS. The care I’ve received at Clatterbridge and the breast clinic at Aintree has been nothing short of first-class, which is why it’s so important that we raise as much money as we can for these incredible organisations. I truly wouldn’t have made it through without their care – and without the love and support of my partner Ste, family, friends and the whole team at Sutcliffe. This time last year, I was sitting in the audience at the ball, unaware that just 5 days later I’d be diagnosed with breast cancer. So, it’s a powerful reminder of how life can change in an instant and how we need to give back now more than ever.”
Sean Keyes, CEO, Sutcliffe, said:
“With the goal of raising funds for three outstanding charities that make a significant difference in our city, the Sutcliffe charity ball is our heartfelt way of saying thank you to the NHS and giving back to our wonderful organisations that have positively impacted millions of lives over the years. I hope that those attending on the night, as well as those reading this will be able to dig deep and help us better last year’s total and reach our target of £75,000.”
Katrina Bury, Chief Executive at Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, said:
“A huge thank you to everyone at Sutcliffe for choosing our Charity as one of the beneficiaries of their annual ball. We know how much hard work and dedication has gone into making the event such a big success, so we are honoured to be chosen. The generous attendees on the night, and everyone at Sutcliffe, will be helping Clatterbridge Cancer Charity support the one in two people in our region with cancer. The Charity is dedicated to patients at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, the excellent treatment provided at its centres in Liverpool, Wirral and Aintree and at its network of chemotherapy clinics in the region, funding key enhancements to care and research and making a real difference to patients. We hope everyone has a great night at the ball and thank them for supporting our Charity.”
Susan O’Neil, Head of Neonatal Services at Liverpool Women’s Hospital, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone supporting the Sutcliffe Ball. The funds raised will make a real difference to our neonatal unit, helping us provide the very best care for our tiniest and most vulnerable patients. Your generosity helps us go beyond what the NHS can fund, supporting families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives”
Geraldine Mitchell, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon and Deputy Medical Director for Surgery Royal Liverpool Hospital, said:
“We are thrilled that at this year’s ball, Sutcliffe is supporting The Breast Service teams at Aintree, Broadgreen and Royal Liverpool Hospitals in launching our Breast Cancer Appeal. We have an ambition to provide cutting-edge breast cancer care for all patients – supporting faster diagnosis, rapid access to treatment – including precision surgery – and comprehensive wraparound care from diagnosis to discharge. The teams want all patients to have access to up to date, excellent quality of care, regardless of their circumstances. Investing in a new 3D tomosynthesis mammography machine with Contrast Enhanced Mammography is a game-changer. It enables faster reporting, same-day biopsies, and a less claustrophobic experience but just as importantly, it helps us to exclude cancer more quickly and reassure patients with normal results, reducing anxiety and uncertainty. We are so grateful that they are by our side for this exciting appeal.”
For more information about how to donate to these wonderful charities, visit the Just Giving page for Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity, University Hospitals of Liverpool Charity and Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.
