More than £42,000 was raised at the 2024 Wigan & Leigh Hospice Gala Ball.

The event took place on November 23 at The Edge in Wigan, with around 300 guests attending.

The event also saw an announcement that the hospice will be the charity of the year for Wigan Warriors next season.

Wigan Warriors players Liam Farrell and Jake Wardell were in attendance and provided an exclusive first look at the team’s new third kit.

Around 300 guests attended (Image: Supplied) This kit features Wigan & Leigh Hospice branding and honours Warriors player Liam Marshall’s mum, Debbie, who was cared for by the hospice before she died in February 2024.

The hospice received support during the night from local businesses, community supporters, and the winners of the inaugural Team Hospice Excellence Awards.

These awards recognise the hard work and dedication of the charity’s staff and volunteers.

The Gala was a success (Image: Supplied) Winners were rewarded with free tickets to the Gala Ball, sponsored by JJH Building Contractors and Fielden Factors.

Jo Carby, chief executive of Wigan & Leigh Hospice, said: "Our Gala Ball is a great opportunity to celebrate our achievements, while also raising the funds we so desperately need to keep our essential services running.

"I never cease to be amazed by how generous this community is, and we feel so lucky to be part of it.

"It was particularly exciting to be able to announce our partnership with Wigan Warriors at the Ball.

"Partnerships like this are so important for the hospice, but this one is even more special, knowing what a difference we made to their player, Liam Marshall, and his family, when we cared for his mum, Debbie, earlier this year.

(Image: Supplied) "We very much look forward to working with Wigan Warriors over the next 12 months."

Other sponsors for the evening included Wigan-based companies Greenmount Projects, MAC Construction, Wigan Council, Westwood Motor Group, Attain, Express IT Group, Branded Items Group, and Metro Rod.

The night featured entertainment from singers Annabelle Mather, Aimeé Clare, and Tom Byrom & The Players Club, with local radio presenter Chris Milow hosting the evening.