British astronaut Tim Peake gave a surprise address at a charity ball that raised £24,000.

Musicians welcomed 200 guests to the first Just George Golden Charity Ball, which was held at Chippenham Park on September 27. 

Guest speaker Lizzie Goates, fundraising manager at Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG), welcomed guests, explaining the purpose of the Just George fund.

She said: “Last year, Lisa and David set up a Special Named Fund in honour of their son, George.

“Special Named Funds allow families to work with CCLG to ringfence donations toward research into a specific type of cancer, patient information or the charity's general work supporting and advocating for children with cancer.

“‘Just George’ honours the life of George Radcliffe and raises money for research into rhabdomyosarcoma (a type of tumour that develops in soft tissue).”

Lizzie also helped guests understand the importance of the money raised.

“Lisa, David and their many supporters’ dedication and drive to fundraise in George’s memory will ultimately benefit all children and their families who have been impacted by this horrible disease, by improving our understanding, diagnosis and treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma through research.”

Chippenham Park, as well as their partners Crown Catering and the Banquet Inn bar, ensured the evening ran smoothly, alongside the Just George ball committee.

Local artist Jacquie Jones attended the event, offering self-portraits (and donated to the auction) whilst photographer Andy Mitty captured the golden moments.

British astronaut Tim Peake surprised guests with a video message, asking them to dig deep for Just George.

He said he’d been ‘told all about a special boy called George, whose life was taken too soon by a type of childhood cancer (Rhabdomyosarcoma).’

Tim Peake shared George’s love of space and his ambition to be the first scientist to find the dinosaurs in space. He added ‘what ambition from someone so young!’

This led nicely into the start of the charity auction, where auctioneer David Palmer, encouraged guests to purchase items in the exclusive auction.

His tireless energy, the superb items on offer and the generous guests meant the auction alone raised over £10,000.

The night ended with specially-designed Just George cocktails and Nottingham-based band The Soul Thieves filling the dancefloor. 

Guests did dig deep and gave generously to the cause. With a few more donations to come in, the event has currently raised over £24,000. 

George’s mum, Lisa Radcliffe, praised guests and supporters.

“We lost George because his treatments options ran out. We are driven to fund research so that children diagnosed in the future have better outcomes but we cannot do it without supporters.

“Thank you to all of our guests who bought tickets and gave so charitably on the night.

“Also thanks to the committee of ten who helped plan and pull-off such a successful event and the many donors who gave to the exclusive auction and premier raffle.

“Many local businesses offered sponsorship, which meant we had less outgoings and could truly focus on income for our cause.

“We are so thankful to them. These businesses forged a great partnership with us, sharing our values with a desire to make an impact with their support.

“We couldn’t had done this without you. Sincere thank yous to you all.”

As the marquee lights went down and the golden balloons floated to new homes, Just George supporters wished each other a goodnight under a starry sky, hoping they would be back again next year…

Any business interested in supporting future events can get in touch by emailing info@justgeorge.uk

(Image: Andy Mitty)(Image: Andy Mitty) (Image: Andy Mitty) (Image: Andy Mitty)