A Glitz and Glam Lunch raised £11,000 for the Bolton charity Fortalice which provides a refuge and front-line services for women and children escaping domestic violence.

Around 200 women and men attended the fun event at the Lion of Vienna suite in the Bolton Stadium Hotel.

It was organised by three local businesswomen – PR expert Lisa Forshaw, Faz Patel from business and marketing organisations thebestofbolton and thebestofbury and catering guru Sushma Solanki from Sushma’s Snacks.

Leisure Guard Security and Partners& were the main sponsors and it was hosted by John Norcott and Lady Jennifer Anne. Entertainment was provided by singers Emma Lori Williams and Emma Scofield Morris plus comedian Amy Webber.

The event was organised in memory of former Bolton Mayoress Gay Wharton who was a keen supporter of Fortalice. Deputy Mayor Cllr Linda Thomas, a great friend of the late Gay, told the audience about what a remarkable woman Gay had been.

The charity’s Chief Executive Gill Smallwood explained the work of the refuge and the organisation-s outreach services and used a video showcasing their work. She thanked everyone for their “amazing support”.

Lisa Forshaw commented: “It was a fantastic event and we were so pleased that it not only raised £11,000 but also showed many people exactly what Fortalice does and how important the organisation is to the town.

“We had brilliant support from so many people and I think everyone really enjoyed the day.”