An Evening In Support Of Parky

Gary Parkinson is another step closer to returning home thanks to a starstudded fundraiser.

Comedian Paddy McGuinness, footballers and managers were among the 430 guests at the event at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday 21st April

They enjoyed question and answer sessions led by Andy Bayes of BBC Radio Lancashire with Phil Brown, former Wanderers assistant manager, and ex-Wanderers star Tony Kelly, who is now the club’s fans’ liaison officer.

Paddy took to the microphone to entertain guests and there was an auction of sporting memorabilia.

The event raised about £15,000 — bringing the total collected by the Gary Parkinson Trust.

Mr Parkinson’s wife, Debbie, said: “It was brilliant. We had a fantastic night and the room was packed. It is unbelievable that we raised so much money in one night.

“It was so nice to see people giving up their Saturday night to do something for Gary. I wish he could have been there.”

The event was filmed and a DVD will be produced for Mr Parkinson to watch.

Money raised will be used to pay for major renovations at Mr Parkinson’s home in Westhoughton, so he can return to live there with his wife and three children.

The Parkinson family would also like to personally thank Paddy McGuinness for his hard work and entertainment on the night, all done free of charge.