Star-studded launch for Harry Moseley Charity Ball

A MAJOR event to raise money for the Help Harry Help Others charity will be officially launched in Birmingham today by TV presenter Ben Shepherd.

Harry Potter stars Oliver and James Phelps and former Birmingham City star Michael Johnson are also expected to join Ben for the 10.30am launch at the poster site near Selfridges in Birmingham city centre. Other celebrities have also been invited.

The launch is intended to draw attention to a spectacular ball to be staged at Birmingham’s ICC on Friday October 19, with the aim of raising more than £50,000 for the charity which is named after brave Birmingham schoolboy Harry Moseley.

The Sheldon schoolboy’s selfless story touched the hearts of tens of thousands of people across the globe as he helped to raise more than £700,000 for other cancer charities by selling hand-made bracelets and touring schools and businesses up and down the country.

He has since died but his mother Georgie has set up the Help Harry Help Others charity. Funds raised in Harry’s name have now smashed through the £1m barrier.

It is hoped that the Harry Moseley Charity Ball will attract great interest amongst the local business community and become an annual fixture in the calendar.TheBusinessDesk.com is proud to be the online media partner for the event.

Ben Shepherd took Harry (pictured left) to his heart after meeting the youngster during his battle with the brain tumour. He will unveil the first of a series of high-profile posters promoting the charity ball.

The event is being organised by former Big Brother contestant and Birmingham corporate lawyer Peter (PJ) Ellis of Weightmans and Tim Andrews, managing director of Tyseley-based signage company Hollywood Monster, with support from Georgie and many more well-wishers.

Georgie said: “Harry attended several charity balls, usually giving a speech during them. I am overwhelmed that we are now officially holding our first ever Harry Moseley Ball in his honour and for his own charity.

“He has done so much for other charities and I really hope companies can support the event that’s for Harry’s own charity. Both Pete Ellis and Tim Andrews have worked so hard on this and I’m so moved that when I spoke to Ben Shepherd and some of Harry’s other celebrity friends they were able to attend the billboard launch.

“The Ball will be a super but emotional night and something Harry would be very proud of. Harry was born and bred in Birmingham and he’s inspired so many children and adults globally and continues to do so.

“I really hope companies within Birmingham support this spectacular evening that will hopefully support us so that one day no other family ends up feeling like we do right now.”

Businesses throughout the West Midlands are being urged to support the event, and take the chance to meet some of Harry’s many famous friends. More than 50 companies have already pledged to take tables of ten, with up to another 100 tables up for grabs.

Tim Andrews, a trustee of Harry’s charity, said: “It’s a great honour for me to be involved in Help Harry Help Others and I really want to make a difference to this great charity. I have agreed to personally sponsor and join the organising committee for the inaugural charity ball at the ICC. We are hoping to sell at least 100 tables and raise £50,000.

“Quite a few celebrities have signed up to the event and it is all set to be a glitzy affair. We have sold 50 tables and I hope there will be many more companies coming forward to support this fantastic cause.

“The evening will be full of the best companies in Birmingham and will be a great opportunity to network. This will be THE event of the year.”

PJ Ellis said: “What a boy Harry was, and what a shining light he has left behind.  I am so very proud that I am a part of this project helping to keep that very same light alive.

“I urge all local businesses to get involved and not to miss the event of the year.”

The charity ball will be advertised across the city on a series of billboards. Posters have been produced by Hollywood Monster while space on the boards themselves has been donated by advertising company Signature.

Visit www.harryscharityball.com for more information about the ball in October and details of how to buy tickets.