The stars were out at the weekend to support Emmerdale actor Michael Parr as he hosted a fund raiser for the Steve Prescott Foundation at the Virgin Money Lounge, King Street, Manchester. A really impressive £2500 was raised towards Mike’s fund for his Spectrum Everest Basecamp Challenge. Mike is one of a party of 40 climbers who set off for Mount Everest on 13th October. The group will arrive in Kathmandu and then face a gruelling eleven day trek to Nepal Everest Base Camp and then continue to "Kala Pattar" to reach a finishing height of 5645 meters.
Fellow Emmerdale stars Gemma Atkinson, Michelle Hardwick, Joe Gill and Anthony Quinlan mingled with guests who included the Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Carl Austin-Behan, former rugby league International Alan Hunte, BBC’s Beccy Barr and Spectrum Managing Director Neil Farrow and Director David de Livio.
The Virgin Money Lounge very kindly sponsored the evening of entertainment with guests having a chance to try their hand at the Pier Fun Casino. Sincere thanks to pianist Emily Owen, vocalist Gemma Kalmakrian and Jazz singer Tom Maurice for their excellent performances.
A massive thank you to Julie Cain, Lounge host of the Virgin Money Lounge who organised the night and her amazing staff for working so hard to ensure the success of the evening.
The Emmerdale stars were clearly impressed by Mike’s commitment to take part in the challenge. Training is increasing in intensity to ensure everyone is in peak condition for the challenge, including altitude training at John Moores University in Liverpool. Mike explained in graphic detail that the biggest challenge is likely to be altitude sickness.
Mike will be joined on the trek by Linzi Prescott and her 14 year old son Taylor and rugby stars, Lee Briers, Ade Gardner, Alan Hunte, Barrie McDermott and Neil Harmon.
The SPF would like to thank Mike for his amazing support by taking part in the Spectrum Everest Basecamp Challenge and for raising awareness of the SPF in our Million Pound Year. Massive thanks to everyone who supported his fund raiser for the SPF chosen charities the Christie, The Rugby League Benevolent Fund and the SPF Special Causes Fund.
You can donate to Mike Parr’s Just Giving account:- www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Michael-Parr-Emmerdale