GUESTS had a ball as they attended a special charity gala dinner to show their support for Bolton’s young homeless.

BACKUP staged its 2019 gala ball at the Holiday Inn at which the charity’s first ever patron was announced while Bolton Wanderers legends helped out on the night.

Maura Jackson, CEO of the charity, said: “A highlight from the evening was Coronation Street actress Lisa George who plays Beth sending us a message that she is the first ever and brand new Patron for the BACKUP charity and is going to be involved in future events. We are very excited about this.”

The ball raised a staggering £15,421 with every penny going to help a young homeless person somewhere in Bolton.

Maura said: “We have had amazing support this year with donations for raffle and auction, ticket sales, help to set up, and much more.

“Many of those who attended were guardians or supporters of BACKUP but we also met lots of new friends.

“The event was sponsored by Bolton at Home and we had help from Bolton Wanderers legends John McGinlay and Tony Kelly on the night who did the auction and a team from Barclays bank attended and managed the raffle and fundraising activities but also supported the event with match funding.

“A big thank you to everyone who attended and donated the prizes­ — we really appreciate it.”

She said the money raised is “literally saving and changing young lives”.

“Young people have no expectations when they arrive with us, they assume they are coming to a ‘hostel’ and it will be a dump and full of awful people,” said Maura, “They find the exact opposite; clean, furnished and nice accommodation; friendly and supportive staff and the extras ­— which this pays for.”

The charity also provides a starter pack with food, toiletries and clothing, as well as identification including a new birth certificate for those that don’t have one, travel costs for college or work at the start until they are settled, money for electric so they can heat and eat. They also are taking on a trip every six weeks which should be enjoyed by every young person, such as to the cinema or on a picnic.

Maura said: “All these things aren’t anything to do with housing really but they are the best thing about the service offer because they make the young people feel valued, worthy and cared for."