The Jan Fairclough Ball, held in memory of the wife of our Charity Patron David Fairclough, saw an amazing £60,000 raised towards the hospital's latest appeal, to fund an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machine.

An OCT machine uses light waves to take cross-sectional images of the retina, which is the part of your eye that senses light and sends signals to your brain. The machine is so powerful that it can see through the different layers of your retina and capture detailed images of the structures inside.

Having an OCT machine on site would be a significant step forward for patients at The Walton Centre. It would provide more accurate diagnoses and better monitoring of eye conditions which are a part of many neurological conditions.

The 12th anniversary event, held at The Titanic Hotel in Liverpool, was hosted by TV presenter and radio broadcaster Steve Hothersall, with a welcome by the Fairclough family at the start of the evening, and a compelling presentation from Divisional Director of Neurology at The Walton Centre, Dr Anita Krishnan about the vital OCT machine.

Guests were treated to a delicious three course meal, during which they were able to bid in an on-line auction with lots including signed sporting memorabilia; as well as entertainment, fashion, food and sporting experiences. There was also the excitement and drama of a live auction after the dinner, expertly carried out by auctioneer Charles Hanson, a TV expert on BBC programmes including Bargain Hunt, Flog it and Antiques Road Trip. The evening ended with entertainment from the Shane Nolan Band, who brought a party atmosphere to the event.

Head of Fundraising Madeleine Fletcher said: “Thank you to everyone who made the Jan Fairclough Ball a success again this year. To the Fairclough family for their fantastic commitment to fundraising for The Walton Centre; our corporate partners A&B Engineering, Carpenters Group, Home Bargains and Philips UK – their support ensures we can maximise what is raised on the night.

“And, of course, thank you to all of our guests and supporters who attended and donated to this amazing campaign. With your help, our fantastic clinicians can enhance the service they provide for patients.”

Donate to our OCT Appeal

Help us provide more accurate diagnoses and better monitoring of eye conditions, which are a part of many neurological conditions.

Learn more about our OCT appeal and how it will benefit patients at The Walton Centre.