Thank you! Luke Atherton, his sister Holly and mum and dad Vicky and David are grateful for people’s support for their chosen charities.

THERE were lots of winners on Grand National Day when a Ladies’ Day in Sutton raised a massive £3,100 for charity.

Eccleston mum Vicky Atherton, who organised the event at St Anne and Blessed Dominic church hall, was overwhelmed by the support she received when 140 partygoers put on their race day outfits for a party to remember.

Local businesses backed the fundraiser held to boost the Alder Hey Kidney Fund and Ronald McDonald charity that Vicky chose to back to show her family’s appreciation of the care four year-old Luke Atherton had received.

Star readers will recall how Luke underwent a successful kidney transplant in which his 46 year-old dad, David, was the donor. Both lad and dad are doing fine and now parents Vicky and David, Luke and his eight year-old sister, Holly, hope they have raised people’s awareness of the continuing need for organ donors.

“The event was amazing, thank you very much to everyone for their support,” said Vicky.

“If just one person signs up to become a donor following the event it will be brilliant. People enjoyed it so much they have asked if there will be another one on next year’s Grand National day and it looks a possibility.”

Event sponsors were: Tyrers, Waterfields, Tesco, Morrisons, Iceland, Sainsbury’s, Co-op Distribution, Helen French Beauty, St Anne’s parishioners, family and friends, Alfred H Knight, Gullivers World, TK Maxx, Liverpool FC, Haydock Park Racecours, Mashers, David Lloyd, Wilkinsons, Kiddicare, Cineworld, Sincerity Flowers, The French Collection, 3663 catering, Miller Homes, Sharon Roughley and Unison Social Club.