On Friday, 27th September 2024, Paul Carr Estate Agents held a moving charity ball at the Fairlawns Hotel and Spa in honour of their much-missed colleague, Bev Gilligan, who passed away last year after a courageous battle with cancer. Bev was a long-standing and well-loved mortgage advisor who worked across many branches, leaving a lasting impact on her colleagues, friends, and family.

The event, organised by Stephanie Hunt and Lisa Webb, was attended by 128 of Bev’s friends, family, and coworkers. From the outset, the atmosphere was one of remembrance and celebration. Pianist Harry Webb serenaded guests with beautiful melodies during the welcome drinks, setting the tone for the evening. A delicious three-course meal followed, accompanied by heartfelt speeches from Stephanie and Lisa, who spoke about Bev's legacy and her connection to the charity that supported her—The Cancer Support Centre in Sutton Coldfield.

Jackie Price from the centre also spoke, sharing the crucial work that The Cancer Support Centre does for cancer patients, much like it did for Bev during her treatment. The centre operates solely on donations, providing essential support services to those affected by cancer, and the £5,000 raised will go a long way in helping them continue this vital work.

The success of the evening would not have been possible without the generous support from local companies and individuals who contributed raffle prizes and donations. Special thanks go to Bits and Pixels for donating an iPhone 15, Bid Modern Auction for purchasing a £500 voucher to spend at The Belfry, and Fairlawns Hotel and Spa for donating a spa day as well as 5% of the evening’s bar proceeds. Contributions also came from Moor Hall Hotel, who donated an afternoon tea, and Fika Skin Rejuvenation & Wellbeing, with a facial voucher arranged by Carrie Jahn.

Other notable donations included a voucher worth £180 from Cocktail Facials, arranged by Georgina Guest, a Merlin pass for four from Paul Carr Estate Agents, and a golf lesson at Great Barr Golf Club, kindly donated by Brenda and John Dunn. James Dale from Wolverhampton University contributed a 12-month gym membership, and Carol Barnes donated a bottle of champagne. Sam Gilligan-Worrall also generously donated a signed Aston Villa football and a case of wine. The impressive "BEV" letters, a centrepiece of the evening, were crafted and donated by Neil Dunn, and iam sold provided £250 towards the entertainment for the evening, with DJ Linton keeping guests dancing from 9pm until midnight.

Fundraising efforts included ticket sales, donations, and a highly successful raffle, which raised £1,070 on the night, contributing to a total of £2,015 overall from the raffle alone. In fact, demand for raffle tickets was so high that three books sold out quickly, prompting a hasty dash to the office for more.

On Thursday, 10th October, Steph and Lisa proudly presented the £5,000 cheque to The Cancer Support Centre, where centre manager Jackie Price gratefully accepted the donation.

Memorable moments from the night included the balloon arch, supplied by Perfect Party Hire, and the Magic Mirror and DJ, both provided by Entertainment Solutions, which were popular with guests for photos and dancing. Reflecting on the event, Steph Hunt said: "Bev was more than a colleague; she was a friend to so many of us. It was heart-warming to see how much love and support we had from the community. Everyone wanted to make a difference, and we’re so grateful for the generosity shown."

The funds raised will help The Cancer Support Centre continue offering treatments, counselling, and holistic care to cancer patients, providing the lifeline that Bev herself experienced. Bev’s legacy will live on through the generosity of everyone who supported the event.

Plans for future charity events are already underway, as Paul Carr Estate Agents continues to support causes close to their heart. Stay tuned for details of upcoming fundraising initiatives.