Families supported by Shooting Star CHASE enjoyed a fantastic afternoon on Tuesday at an exclusive Valentine’s Tea kindly hosted by Simon Cowell and Shooting Star CHASE patron Max Clifford.

Held at prestigious London hotel, The Dorchester, a whole host of famous faces including McFly, Mohamed Al Fayed, Louis Walsh and of course, Simon Cowell turned out to support the special treat for our families. Shooting Star CHASE patrons Phillip Schofield, Tony Hadley, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Matthew Macfadyen and Keeley Hawes were also in attendance and enjoyed meeting and talking to the children and their families.

Sian puts Simon in the hot seat

Sian, a teenager supported by Shooting Star CHASE did a fantastic job grilling Simon as she interviewed him, and she didn’t miss the chance to ask him everything she wanted to know about The X Factor judge. The rest of the children also got the chance to grill Simon, asking him a whole host of insightful questions- including ‘Why do you wear your trousers so high?’

The auction included prizes donated by Chelsea captain John Terry, X Factor final tickets donated by Simon Cowell, McFly tickets donated by the boys themselves and tickets to meet Westlife and see them perform their farewell tour, donated by Louis Walsh.

Simon Cowell, who was introduced to Shooting Star CHASE by his friend and colleague Max Clifford, said: “I am here today to raise awareness of Shooting Star CHASE. I first visited their Guildford hospice, Christopher’s, 7-8 years ago and had a great day.  You expect it to be sad, but it’s not.  It is a really happy place with lots of hope and hope changes everything.

“I met one of the children at the time and we have been in touch since.  She will often text me and say I have had a great day at Shooting Star CHASE today and that just puts everything into perspective.”

A fantastic day raises a fantastic total

Shooting Star CHASE Patron, Max Clifford said: “It has been a wonderful afternoon and I really appreciate the generosity of the guests and The Dorchester. It was great to see the children, their brothers and sisters having such a brilliant time.  Simon and I both really enjoyed ourselves.

“Today we wanted to raise awareness of Shooting Star CHASE and of course, money.  The charity only receives around 7% Government funding but needs to raise £8.5 million a year.  We hope today will encourage as many people as possible to get involved and support Shooting Star CHASE in whatever way they can.”

Thanks to the huge generosity of the guests who bid in the auction, plus those who took part in the Have a Heart draw, the event raised a fantastic £110,000.

Devaanshi, 15, a teenager supported by Shooting Star CHASE said: “I am enjoying this event because we are with other families who are in the same boat, and we get to meet celebrities. Simon Cowell has been brilliant and I have really enjoyed meeting him.”

Why not host an afternoon tea of your own for Shooting Star CHASE by taking part in our eat ‘n’ greet campaign this March.

Photography by Andy Newbold