A CHARITY ball which raised cash for charities including Claire House Children's Hospice has been called a success.

The Athena Foundation held the event to launch their new initiative to support charities in the areas where Athena Healthcare Group has opened their car lodges.

Their new purpose built, two 80 bedroom occupancy nursing and residential care lodges on Alexandra Road have been named the Lighthouse Lodge and Marine View by employees.

Both lodges will offer residential and dementia care to the elderly and families will be able to take a look inside the lodges with a new ‘Marketing Suite’ which will open in May.

Liverpool footballing legend John Barnes will spoke after the dinner while entertainment was provided by Stephen Baylis.

Former footballers Mark Lawrenson and Derek Temple also attended the event which saw sporting memorabilia up for auction.

Group events ambassador Lesley Malone said: "It's very exciting to support local charities in the area.

"One of our chosen charities Claire House, this was chosen due to our latest care lodges opening this year in New Brighton.

"The purpose of the Athena Foundation is to help charities that are less recognised and to help in areas where Athena Healthcare Group lodges are situated.

"The Athena Foundation is supporting communities and local charities that need that extra ‘voice’.

"Volunteers from Claire House attended the event and helped out with the auction. The stories these ladies were telling us were unbelievable. They give every minute of their spare time to help Claire House and they deserve some recognition.

"The total raised is still being counted with money still coming in from the raffle but it was a huge success."