A James Bond-themed fundraising ball held at De Vere Cranage Estate has raised thousands of pounds for the Georgia Leigh Ogden Foundation, marking the fifth consecutive year the event has taken place in memory of the teenager.
The black-tie event, titled “Licence to Thrill”, was organised by the Ogden family and supported by a wide network of volunteers, performers and local businesses. It featured themed décor, live entertainment, games and a professionally choreographed dance showcase — all contributing to what the Ogden family described as “an overwhelming success”.
The venue was transformed with life-size laser-cut silhouettes, illuminated card arches and a 007 photo backdrop, designed and donated by Mark Ogden and Lee Smith of Congleton Laser Cutting, alongside Aston Martins provided by Ben O’Grady and Nick Wilkinson.
Ballucci Cheshire supplied balloons and sequin walls, while Cheshire Elite Laundry sponsored the black-and-white table linen.
Lucy and Nick Ransome folded 235 dinner jacket napkins and assisted with decorations, supported by Kirsten and Matt Barton, Stephanie Owen and Teagan Owen. The Added Extra provided illuminated signage and lighting features.
Entertainment was led by compère Julie Harris, principal of Street Dance Academy, who coordinated the evening’s programme and choreography.
SDA dancers rehearsed for hours to deliver a high-energy performance (ITALICS pictured), joined by singers Heidi Pheasey and Will Bours, saxophonist Hannah Young, pole gymnast Lara Tagg and DJ Rich Fleury.
Games were hosted by Zoe Macconnell, Helen Millward and Mark Ogden, with a team of volunteers managing the raffle. A themed cake was donated by Karens Creations.
The event programme was designed by Gee’s brother Josh, and printed courtesy of Jason and Abi Larvin-Clegg of Larvin and Clegg Funeral Care. Josh also delivered a heartfelt speech to the 235 guests — a moment described by his family as one of great courage.
Speaking after the event, Mandy Ogden said: “As always, the success of the ball feels bittersweet. Had Gee still been here, we wouldn’t even contemplate doing something like this. But your ongoing support helps us through this nightmare — thank you all so much.” She added: “We raised £16,232, Plus an additional £519 raised from the bar takings and accommodation, which has been donated straight to our chosen charity East Cheshire NHS Charity.
“This now brings our total amount raised in the past five years to over £150,000, which has allowed The Georgia Leigh Ogden Foundation to donate to so many local and national charities, including numerous local families and their children in Gee’s beautiful memory.”
The Georgia Leigh Ogden Foundation was established in memory of Gee to support causes close to her heart and to honour her legacy through community fundraising.
Thanks went to all event sponsors: Harveyboard Print and Digital, Cheshire Elite Laundry, Larvin and Clegg Funeral Care, L&J Print, Paul Farmer, Congleton Business Centre, Darren Hesketh, The Unicorn, CES Home and Garden, Byrne Contracting Services, Holland and Porter Electrical and Construction, Hammond McNulty, DRS Domestic Plumbing, Brittanic Flooring, Helping Hand Stairlifts, Richard Austin Alloys North West, Longton Light Alloys Incorporating Gladstone Engineering Company, Campey Turf Care Systems, Absolute Fabrications Cheshire, Nortek Group, Truck Services Sandbach, Easy2reach Congleton, Filtration Services, Cheshire View, Bill and Ben Skip Hire, PRS Fabrication Services, Clear Glaze of Cheshire, Anchora Business Services, AD Coach Systems, Harts Accountants Congleton Oatcakes WJ Vehicle Engineering, Mick Byrne Photography, Octopaye, Boalloy Trailer Sales, Alpha And Street Legal Tyres, Congleton Skip Hire and Congleton Laser Cutting.
(Photo: Mick Byrne Photography).
