Edinburgh ladies who attended the 2021 Fawkes-y Ladies Lunch at Prestonfield House raised an incredible £150,000 for (CHAS).

The glittering November 5 event, hosted by popular Scottish radio presenter and River City actor, Grant Stott, saw 370 guests enjoy a three course meal and take part in a variety of party games, a raffle and a champagne draw.
Later, former rugby star Andy Nicol set pulses racing as he compered a live auction, inviting bids for exclusive prizes such as a holiday to Bali, a pair of Lewis Capaldi sunglasses which Andy modelled on stage himself, a meet and greet with Tony Hadley and a Jack Morrocco painting, which sold for £18,000.

Entertainment was provided by the UK’s most exciting and colourful new drag vocal group, ‘Queenz’ who got everyone dancing and singing along with their eclectic party playlist.
Special guest of honour at the event was guest speaker, Kathleen Shields who took to the stage to share how Robin House hospice helped provide support for her whole family after she lost her baby daughter Freya at just 83 minutes old in 2018.

CHAS High Profile Events Manager, Diane Alton said: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome all our Edinburgh ladies back to the annual Fawkes-y Ladies Lunch for the first time in two years and were completely blown away to have raised such a fantastic amount.

“There are currently over 16,700 children in Scotland living with a life-shortening condition and, without out our dedicated supporters and events like this, we could not raise the vital funds needed to provide the hospice services that children and families across Scotland rely so heavily on.

“As always it was a fantastic day full of fun, dancing and laughter and the fabulous ‘Queenz’ made sure everyone enjoyed themselves on the dancefloor!
“We are grateful to our wonderful long-time headline sponsor, Artemis, and all our other sponsors and businesses who donated some incredible prizes. Thanks also to everyone at Prestonfield House, to Grant Stott for being the perfect host and to Andy Nicol for expertly running the auction.

“Our heartfelt thanks also goes to Kathleen for sharing her story about how CHAS helped her beautiful baby daughter, Freya.”

Grant Stott said: “Having attended the CHAS Fawkes-y Ladies Lunch as a guest in the past I was already aware just how special and full on a day it is. Given this was my first proper event like this in over 18 months and knowing just how much everyone lets their hair down and has a good time I knew I’d really need to be on my toes! Once again it was a wonderful event and I’m delighted it raised so much for CHAS.”
Please find attached a selection of photographs from the day. Please credit @Camerashy for all images.

For more information please contact: Charlene Wilson, Press Officer on: 07552 261548 or email: CharleneWilson@chas.org.uk