'Get in a spin for Macmillan!

ONE of the leading cancer charities, Macmillan Cancer Support invites you to join them at their Ball and Celebrity Auction on 3 November 2007 at the Devonshire House Hotel, Edge Lane, Liverpool.

Hosted by KCR FM's DJ Terry Lennaine, guests will enjoy a four course meal, live entertainment, disco and celebrity auction including a gold disc signed by George Michael, a gold disc signed by Dire Straits, signed items from Everton FC and St Helens RLFC plus many more!  There will also be some of your favourite soap stars and local celebrities attending.

This event has been organised in conjunction with Macmillan Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist, Janet Thompson based at Southport & Formby District General Hospital and Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist's based across Merseyside Jean Hughes, Loraine Morgan and Bernice Sanders as part of Lung Cancer Awareness month taking place in November.

Janet Thompson said:- "We really wanted to do an event that would highlight Lung Cancer in Merseyside, it is important that people know early diagnosis saves lives"

Tracey Morgan Community Fundraiser for Macmillan said:- "We have got some great entertainment lined up and it's going to be a night not to be missed! The Ball is promoting a serious message, however this is going to be a really fun event and the best bit is all the money raised will go to our Merseyside Appeal helping local people affected by cancer"

Tickets are £35 each or £350 for a table of 10.

Please contact Tracey Morgan on 01925 846751 or email for more information or to book tickets.

BROWN SHOULD ABANDON EU TREATY 'RED LINES' SAYS SOUTHPORT MEP

A Southport Euro-MP is calling for Gordon Brown to abandon his efforts to protect Britain's so-called 'red lines' when he meets with other European leaders in Lisbon this week to discuss the draft EU Reform Treaty.

Liberal Democrat MEP Chris Davies says that the opt outs are not in the nation's interest and should never have been negotiated in the first place.  He said:- "There is hardly any discussion taking place about the real contents of the treaty, the vast majority of which is completely uncontentious. The so-called 'red lines' have been given a ridiculous importance to create the impression that the Prime Minister is like Churchill facing down the enemy.  Successive governments have recognised the need to find shared solutions to common problems. Now that EU membership has expanded to include 27 nations it is obvious that procedures have to be updated to prevent sclerosis."

Mr Davies points out that the negotiations are not in the best interests of the British people.  He said:- "Why should be regarded as a positive move for British citizens not to possess the same legal rights as everyone else in Europe? Only child molesters and terrorists should welcome Britain's reluctance to commit itself to full partnership in matters of justice and security."

And he claims that no EU government is even suggesting that Britain or any nation should be forced to adopt a foreign policy against its will.  Mr Davies said:- "The basis for debate here stems from the twisted assumption that Britain is being pushed around by the rest of the EU. It is a complete myth, and demonstrates the government's failure to explain that the EU works on a largely consensual basis with Britain taking a lead on many issues."

LOCAL YOUNG ACTRESS STARS IN NSPCC TV AD

MERSEYSIDE'S own Lucy Gillbanks has beaten off tough competition from across the country to win the starring role in the NSPCC’s new campaign to encourage everyone to do their bit to end child cruelty.  9-year-old Lucy, who attends Merchant Taylors’ School for Girls in Crosby, is the face of a national TV advert from the charity. She went through 2 national auditions to be selected for the lead part.

The NSPCC’s campaign demonstrates how individual actions can, and do contribute to ending abuse and calls on the public to join in taking action against child abuse. The TV campaign will encourage people to visit www.bethefullstop.com to find out more information and get involved in ending child cruelty.  Once on the site, people can commit to a number of ‘deeds’ which include signing a petition, joining a local campaign or making a donation. People can also obtain information on how they can help end child cruelty to children whether it is as individuals, with a group or as part of an organisation.

Lucy first got involved with the NSPCC when one of the charity’s fundraisers came to her school to talk about helping vulnerable children. Mum Charlotte Gillbanks said:- “After an assembly about the NSPCC, Lucy came home, emptied her piggybank and donated all her pocket money to the Safe Place Appeal. When she first heard about the NSPCC advert she really wanted to go for it.  We are really proud of Lucy and the hard work that she has put into the advert. Working for the NSPCC has really heightened her understanding that some children don’t experience happy childhoods and we are thrilled that she is doing her bit to help raise awareness of child cruelty.”

60, 30 and 10 second version of the TV ad will run during the 4-week campaign. In the 60 second spot, we see Lucy on her journey home from school. She spends the journey in an escapist fantasy world where she can make things happen with a ‘click’.

The NSPCC cannot end child cruelty by itself and works with other organisations to provide vital services for local children and families. Be the FULL STOP is your opportunity to play a role in putting an end to child abuse. The NSPCC is calling on the public tojoin in taking action against child cruelty, stressing that individual actions can and do contribute to ending abuse.

There are a range of simple actions that we can all take to BE the FULL STOP – which includes:-

• Wearing a FULL STOP badge
• Getting involved in a local campaign
• Joining a fundraising group
• Learning how to recognise the signs of abuse
• Volunteering for ChildLine or another NSPCC service
• Donating £2 a month
• Reading an issue of Your Family

Mary Marsh, NSPCC director and chief executive, said:- “Child abuse is an all too sad reality for many children in every community. It really is a local issue that we all need to urgently address. We can each play our part in ending this abuse, whether as individuals, with a group or as part of some organisations.  Together we can all make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people. There are simple steps we can all be taking to Be the FULL STOP and make the difference towards ending abuse in the lives of children and young people.”

Lucy, who is a member of the Lamont Drama School and Casting Agency in Formby, has also starred in TV adverts for Stena Line Ferries and Bratz dolls.