Photo by Kevin Brown Photography Photo by Kevin Brown Photography

THE community came together to support Queenscourt Hospice as all 3 floors of The Grand in Southport were packed with a stellar line-up of live entertainment at a special Save Queenscourt night on Friday (24 July 2026).

Those performing included X Factor stars Ray Quinn and Anthony Russell and Britain’s Got Talent star Andrew Curphey. 

The event, hosted by Claire Simmo and Kelly Bond, also boasted top DJs including Baz Todd, Jon Jessop and Sunset Ali, with singers including Jenny Wren, Claire Campbell, Lois Ross, Jeannie Croft, Terry Woods, Evie McDermott and more. 

The Southport Off-key Choir, who won the Sefton Diversity & Inclusion Award at the 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards, sang for guests as they arrived, alongside children from Marshside Primary School. 

People dug deep to secure raffle prizes including a Liverpool FC family ticket for tour and museum; a signed Everton FC shirt; overnight stay for 2 with breakfast at the Marion Hotel and Resort in Dysert, North Wales; a Four Ball at Blundells Hill Golf Club; Tyson Fury framed boxing glove; luxury hampers and more. 

In April, Queenscourt Hospice announced that it will be reducing its in-patient ward from 10 to 5 beds, as it continues to face financial uncertainty. 

The news comes just 4 weeks after the hospice stated that it was being forced to consider reducing the vital services it provides for patients, as it continues to operate with a £2 million deficit.

Queenscourt Hospice Fundraising Manager Liz Hartley said:- “On behalf of everyone at Queenscourt Hospice, I want to say a sincere thank you to everyone who made Friday night's fundraiser at The Grand such an unforgettable evening. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and support shown by everyone who attended. “Special thanks must go to Jeanette and the team at the Mikhail Group, whose vision, hard work and generosity created such a spectacular event." 

Liz continued:- “We'd also like to thank the fantastic hosts and performers who gave their time and talent so generously, as well as all the businesses and individuals who donated raffle and auction prizes. Every contribution played a part in making the evening such a success. It was a wonderful celebration of our community coming together to support the hospice and the care we provide to local families. Every pound raised will help us continue to be there for people when they need us most, and we are truly grateful to everyone who helped make the evening so special.”

Mikhail Hotel And Leisure Group Cluster Manager James Bretnall-Bennett said:- “We’d like to say a huge thank you to all of the amazing acts who entertained us, and to all of the wonderful suppliers and supporters who donated their time, skills, and services to help make the evening so special. We’d also like to thank everyone who generously donated raffle prizes for Friday night's event at The Grand in support of Queenscourt Hospice. Your kindness, generosity, and support helped make the evening such a fantastic success. “It was a wonderful night filled with great entertainment, amazing prizes, and incredible community spirit, all while raising vital funds for a truly fantastic charity. Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, performed, and supported the event. We couldn't have done it without you!”

Save Queenscourt event host Claire Simmo said:- “Oh What A Night! How do I even start to explain how fantastic Friday night was at The Grand on their music extravaganza fundraiser for Queenscourt Hospice? Do I start by saying what an amazing job James Bretnall-Bennett and Jeanette Gordon and their team did organising it? Then all the fabulous acts who gave their time for free to save our hospice?To the Elphie to my Glinda Kelly Bond for being a glittering co-host? Also the not so glittery but love him to pieces Baz Todd and of course radio legend Jon Jessop. To the gorgeous Matt Moonlight Events who catered to everyone’s needs sound wise in the most lovely manner. To Kevin and Carole Brown from Kevin Brown Photography and Dave Brown from Dave Brown Photography who both supported yet another event."

Claire continued:- “To Adam Sankey and all the hard working staff at The Grand who must have been exhausted at the end of the night. To Andrew Mikhail  Mikhail Hotels & Leisure Group for giving all 3 floors of this spectacular venue to be able to host this event with no overhead charges - thank you. But most of all - thanks to each and every person who supported this event and have helped to keep our hospice hoping! Almost every person I spoke to had a story to tell why Queenscourt was so special to them and their loved ones .. so it doesn’t stop here!  If you have any spare change, or want to raise some money - please contact Fundraising Manager Liz Hartley or the team - they would love to hear from you. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.” 

Queenscourt Hospice has been providing compassionate care for the people of West Lancashire, Formby and Southport for the past 35 years. They care for patients with serious illnesses, enabling them to achieve the best possible quality of life at each new stage. 

Queenscourt cares for patients both in the hospice and at home through their In-Patient Unit, Queenscourt Connect and Queenscourt at Home services. Queenscourt requires over 100 professional staff members to stay open, including Doctors, Nurses, Healthcare Assistants, Physiotherapists and many other roles. 

How to Help

To support Queenscourt Hospice, visit this website or call the Fundraising Team on:- 01704 517420. Further information about supporting hospice funding and advocacy, is available via the Queenscourt website.