St Ann's Hospice has rebranded ahead of opening a huge new building in Heald Green - and the fundraising continued in earnest with a glittering charity lunch
Calum Best, Emma Neville, Liz Taylor and artist Aiden Phelan support the fundraising at the Moya cole Hospice Great Mancunian Lunch
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It recently announced it was changing its name from St Ann's Hospice to Moya Cole Hospice, but the aim remains the same - to raise as much money as possible to support people with life-limiting illnesses.
And the first big fundraiser for the Moya Cole Hospice saw £40,000 raised at the Great Mancunian Lunch.
The event was hosted by Emma Neville, who together with former United star husband Gary have been key supporters of the hospice as it prepares to open its new state-of-the-art building in Heald Green.
The lunch, created by Moya Cole Hospice in partnership with the Taylor Lynn Corporation, featured outstanding performances from musicians from Chetham’s School of Music to create an uplifting afternoon of creativity and entertainment at Victoria Warehouse in Old Trafford.
The aim of the Great Mancunian Lunch was to fundraise for the Being You Centre at the new Moya Cole Hospice. Construction of the new hospice started in June of last year with the aim of opening in early 2026.
The charity lunch at Victoria Warehouse
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The fundraising included a silent auction with the chance to bid on lots including a signed Courteeners guitar, original Elbow song lyrics, VIP concert tickets and stunning original artwork by acclaimed contemporary artist Aiden Phelan from the “George Best: 20 Years of Immortal Legacy” series.
Aiden and George’s son Calum Best attended the lunch to donate the artwork ahead of a new exhibition of the works at Manchester's Hotel Football.
Host of the Great Mancunian Lunch, Emma Neville said the afternoon provided an opportunity to make an impact on the lives of the people of Manchester impacted by life-limiting illnesses.
"We have a chance to make a difference for those who are facing some of the toughest challenges of their lives, bringing them greater comfort, care and dignity." Emma said.
(Image: Jason Lock)
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“It was wonderful to welcome everyone to the event. By coming together at the lunch, we were able to raise funds to go towards a consultation room at the hospice that will provide a calm, comfortable, and welcoming place for counselling, complementary therapies, and other wellbeing support for the people of Manchester and their families."
Liz Taylor, Founder of Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC), who organised the event said: "I’m thrilled to be part of The Great Mancunian Lunch and to support the incredible work of Moya Cole Hospice as they create their new state-of-the-art building in Heald Green. It’s always inspiring to collaborate with such passionate people — Emma Neville, Truth Creative, and Chetham’s School of Music — all coming together to celebrate Manchester’s spirit while supporting such a vital cause."
Head of Fundraising and Capital Campaign at Moya Cole Hospice, Anne-Marie Wynne says the support of all those at the Great Mancunian Lunch is “vital” for the future of the hospice.
Pictured is Alan Keegan, Emma Neville, Liz Taylor and Tom Redmond.
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"On behalf of Moya Cole Hospice, I would like to send Emma Neville a massive thank you for hosting the event. We stand together with her in our commitment to championing the importance of both physical and emotional wellbeing, and we are so grateful for her support to raise funds for our Being You Centre at our new hospice," Anne-Marie said.
"Once again, the Taylor Lynn Corporation is supporting Moya Cole Hospice with the Great Mancunian Lunch. It is through their support in organising events that we at Moya Cole Hospice can fund the construction of our new building in Heald Green."
The dress code for the outing was smart chic in black and yellow, with a stylish nod to the worker bee emblem of Manchester, with the "Voice of Old Trafford" Alan Keegan being compere for the day.
There was also an after-lunch party where the music continued in an exclusive bar area with entertainment from DJ Six.