Stars raise £380,000 for Breast Cancer Care in just three hours

Last night, singers Lulu and Lemar, Loose Women presenter Andrea McLean, and former EastEnders actor Joe Swash worked behind-the-scenes manning the phones, singing live, organising staff and even making the tea to help raise £380,000 in three hours, for the annual QVC  ‘Be Aware, Show You Care’ broadcast show in support of Breast Cancer Care.

“It’s amazing to have been a part of this wonderful event for such an important charity. It’s certainly nerve wracking to be put up for auction, but I was thrilled to have been able to contribute and help make a difference”, said Andrea McLean

Online and television shopping channel, QVC – the official Breast Cancer Care broadcast partner – hosted the annual event as part of its continued support over the last 13 years. During this time the retailer has raised in excess off £4.4million for the charity, for which resident presenter Alison Keenan is an ambassador following her own diagnosis early last year.

In previous years the shopping channel has pulled out all the stops, on and off camera, with the entire team doing what they can to raise money and even calling on its celebrity friends to auction them off! Last year, Joe McElderry was put under the hammer and the trend continued this year with both Loose Women star Andrea McLean and singing sensation Lulu being auctioned off, with the prize of a lunch date being awarded to the highest bidder.

Further donations were amassed with the help of jungle hero Joe Swash who manned the phone lines to encourage viewers to call in and pledge their support by donating what they could.

Samia al Qadhi, Chief Executive at Breast Cancer Care said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the success of QVC’s ‘Be Aware, Show You Care’ show this year, and its continued support of Breast Cancer Care. All the money raised helps us to continue to provide free support and information services for the 50,000 people who are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK every year. We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone at QVC and its customers for their support, enthusiasm and dedication to the partnership.”

R&B star Lemar joined the celeb team, providing an exclusive performance of ‘Invincible’ the title track from his new album, which went on sale yesterday. In line with the ‘Be Aware, Show You Care’ event, a percentage of every copy sold went to Breast Cancer Care and Lemar further pledged to donate 50p from every concert ticket he sold last night to Breast Cancer Care, too.

“Breast Cancer Care is a charity that is close to my heart. I jump at any chance to help the cause. Every small gesture helps the bigger picture”, said Lemar.

The final item on the auction list was a simulated gem stone version of the Imperial State Crown, previously modelled by pop superstar Jessie J, which went for £1,000. The auctions supported a three hour on-air spectacular where specially created fashion, jewellery, beauty and homes products from across QVC’s brand portfolio – including Elemis, Bobbi Brown, Lola Rose and OPI – were sold with every penny of the proceeds going to Breast Cancer Care.

As the final total was being revealed at the end of last night’s event, QVC presenter and Breast Cancer Care ambassador, Alison Keenan, said: “Breast Cancer Care is an incredible charity that is an invaluable support tool for those men and women that are faced with the difficult challenge that breast cancer presents. It makes a real difference to people’s lives and ensures no one ever has to face a breast cancer diagnosis alone.”

The charity broadcast show formed part of a series of events for October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month and follows the Breast Cancer Care fashion show, which took place at the Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel on 3^rd October. The event celebrated 24 inspirational men and women that have all been affected by breast cancer and QVC’s Alison Keenan joined them on the catwalk! The evening show was hosted by Edith Bowman and included a supporting crowd of Barbara Windsor, Denise Lewis, Joe McElderry, Geri Halliwell, Tamara Ecclestone and Alexandra Burke.

More information about QVC’s partnership with Breast Cancer Care can be found at www.qvcuk.com where donations can still be made.