Strictly Lunch with Arlene Phillips OBE – BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing Judge

On January 22nd 2009 Pennine Acute Hospitals Charity’s Think Floyd Appeal will present a very special event to support The Floyd Neurological Rehabilitation Unit at Birch Hill Hospital in Rochdale.

Join our celebrity speaker and local girl, Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips and an array of guests, for an afternoon of awareness and fund raising in support of an extremely worthwhile cause.

The afternoon will provide you with an opportunity to indulge your Strictly Come Dancing passion, be entertained by world famous theatre choreographer Arlene, and bid in a very special charity auction. And of course, you can enjoy the luxurious 5-star surroundings of the Manchester Edwardian Radisson, and sumptuous lunch provided by their team of executive chefs.

The Think Floyd charity was created by Gordon Desser following the loss of his wife, Jill, in September 2008. Hugely grateful for the expert care and understanding offered by the Floyd Unit staff during Jill’s illness, Gordon is committed to raising awareness of their work and vital funds to support the Unit. Funds raised through the Strictly Lunch event will be used to improve the garden courtyard at the Floyd Unit and purchase much needed specialist equipment for the patients.

Of her involvement with Think Floyd’s Strictly Lunch event during her visit to Manchester with the Strictly Come Dancing Live show, Arlene Phillips had this to say: “I’m pleased to support Think Floyd by speaking at the Strictly Lunch event. I have seen the difference that the Floyd Neurgological Rehabilitation Unit can make, and this exciting event will give both local people and businesses the opportunity to donate vital funds for an extremely deserving cause. I’m looking forward to being part of a fun-filled afternoon that promises to raise the profile of Think Floyd and the essential work of the Floyd Unit.”

The Floyd Unit has been in operation for 20 years and has seen numerous patients and their families through incredibly difficult times. The therapeutic recovery of patients can vary from weeks up to many months, and the staff at the Floyd Unit encourage family and friends to participate in the rehabilitation process. The Floyd Unit is often described as a home from home by patients and their family and friends.

Gordon explains: “The Floyd Unit was home for Jill, myself, and our extended family for many months. The support, advice, and treatment offered by the staff is incredible, and I’m hoping that this event will inspire patronage for what they do throughout the Greater Manchester community.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors

1. The Think Floyd Charity and The Pennine Acute Trust Charity are offering a limited number of free tickets for the ‘Strictly Lunch’ event as a giveaway incentive.
2. The event will take place at The Manchester Edwardian Radisson on 22nd January 2009, from 12noon, and tickets are available for £35.00 per person or £350 per corporate table of 10.
3. The Floyd Unit was opened at Birch Hill hospital, Rochdale in 1988 and is a 19 bed unit providing a comprehensive rehabilitation service to adults with neurological disability resulting from illness or injury.
4. For more information on Think Floyd or the work of the Pennine Acute Hospitals Charity please email charity@pat.nhs.uk or call Jan Bolton on 0161 908 4497.

For further information, confirm interest in publicizing the event, please contact PR representatives Clare Coxon or Bev Voortman in the first instance. clare@thecreativebranch.com; bev@thecreativebranch.com or 01539 815930.

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