Star-studded gala set to raise vital funds for research into Motor Neurone Disease

A Cannock-based charity established to fund research into Motor Neurone Disease (MND) has announced a celebrity-line up for its glittering fundraising gala in Birmingham.

The Mel Evans MBE Foundation will host a Masked Entertainer fundraising dinner on Saturday 18th October at Edgbaston Stadium, with all proceeds going towards MND research.

A host of famous faces will be in attendance including Coronation Street’s Daniel Brocklebank and Peter Ash, former England cricketer Phil Tufnell, and football legend Marcus Stewart, who is living with MND and raising awareness.

Also in attendance will be TV icon Christopher Biggins, and Bad Girls and Coronation Street actress Amanda Barrie. Celebrity guests will take part in the entertainment and be available for photos throughout the evening.

The event will include a drinks reception, three-course dinner and a unique live entertainment experience where celebrities will emulate the popular ITV1 gameshow, the Masked Singer.

As in the TV show hosted by Joel Dommett, the celebrities will perform songs anonymously in elaborate masks and costumes, for panelists to guess their identity based on clues given. The entertainment will also include an auction, raffle and live music.

The Mel Evans MBE Foundation was set up by Lynn Pritchatt in honour of her late husband, Mel Evans MBE, who was diagnosed with MND in 2016 and passed away in 2017.

Mel and Lynn both had illustrious sporting careers in crown green bowling, with Mel earning more than 100 caps for Staffordshire. He also helped bring the sport back to TV platforms including Sky and Channel 4.

The foundation, which is run by volunteers who have lost loved ones to MND, works tirelessly to raise awareness of MND and fund vital research into treatment and care. Amongst its honorary patrons are former world snooker champion John Parrott MBE and leading UK neuroscientist Professor Dame Pamela Shaw.

Lynn, who is organising the event, said: “This gala is about making memories, raising funds and sharing hope. MND is a cruel condition, but with every pound raised, we take a step towards better understanding and treatment.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the celebrities who are giving their time, energy and talent to support our cause. Their involvement not only makes the evening unforgettable but also helps us reach a wider audience with our message.”

Tickets are available now via TicketTailor, with standard tickets priced at £100 and VIP tickets at £150, which include premium seating, a drinks reception with the celebrity guests and a souvenir gift.

The event runs from 6pm until midnight at Edgbaston.

Click here to find out more about the charity or to enquire about sponsorship packages.

Pictured from left to right: Lynn Pritchatt with ex-Premier League star striker Marcus Stewart