Cliff Richard night's a hit for hospital

A group of charity supporters in Bishop's Stortford raised £1,205 for the intensive care unit (ICU) at Harlow's Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) with a Cliff Richard tribute night.

Joyce Cripps, a member of the Bishop’s Stortford Fundraisers, organised the show because she wanted to give something back to the team that nursed her daughter back to health last autumn.

Julie Halls, 47, was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at PAH in October and was diagnosed with double pneumonia.

“Critically ill, in organ failure, she was placed in an induced coma,” Joyce explained. “She remained in ICU for three weeks where she received wonderful care from the team of doctors and specialist nurses. She made a full recovery.”

Joyce, her husband John and Julie paid a visit to PAH to hand over the money to the ICU team.

Joyce’s fellow fundraisers – Sally Whyman, Steve Whyman and Tim Whyman – worked hard on the night of the show, Saturday, December 16, to ensure it was a hit.

Jimmy Jemain, one of the UK’s top Cliff Richard tribute acts, performed in front of a delighted crowd at Manuden Community Centre, covering almost every hit that the 77-year-old British pop legend has ever recorded in his career, spanning nearly six decades.

The fundraisers are a group of people who enjoy spending their spare time raising money for various charities.

Formed almost eight years ago, the group initially focused on generating funds for cancer charity Marie Curie, but has since expanded to support a number of other worthy causes. To date, it has raised about £63,000.

The group is preparing for its next concert, The Sixties Roadshow, celebrating the greatest hits and artists of the 1960s, at Manuden Community Centre on Saturday, March 3. Proceeds will go to the Willow Foundation, which supports young adults, aged 16 to 40, with life-threatening illnesses, granting them uplifting and unforgettable ‘special days’. Tickets cost £21. To book, call 07777 649138 or visit bsfundraisers.co.uk.