Nicholas Parsons guest of honour at Cliddesden charity fundraiser (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support

11:10am Saturday 22nd September 2012 in Local By Adam Richards

LEGENDARY radio presenter and quiz master Nicholas Parsons hosted a glittering charity fundraiser for a Macmillan Cancer Support appeal.

Up to £3,500 was raised for the charity’s Freeze Out Fuel Poverty campaign at Audley’s Wood Hotel, in Cliddesden, last Friday.

The event was organised by Ann Fryer, 63, from Mapeldurwell who said she was delighted with how the evening went. Mr Parsons, 88, is famed for many shows, including being the host of the popular long-running radio show Just a Minute.

Ann said: “Nicholas was absolutely brilliant. If it is was not for him then I don’t think people would have dipped into their pockets as much. I was over the moon – everyone thought it was a fabulous evening.”

Nearly 80 people had bought places for the £45 per head evening. Guests were treated to a Champagne reception, a three-course meal, a game of True or False led by Parsons, and an auction.

Twenty-one borough businesses had donated action prizes for the evening, at which the special guests included the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Councillor Martin Biermann and his wife Chansopha.

The Macmillan campaign aims to end fuel poverty, which is where households have to spend more than 10 per cent of their income on heating.