Musicians, dancers, singers and a magician all took to the stage at a glittering fundraising event with their talents bringing in more than £1,000 for Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity.

Thanks to the efforts of NHS staff who wowed the crowd at Pelsall Community Centre, elderly patients who need mental health support, and those using the medical day case unit at Walsall Manor Hospital, will benefit from the money raised.

Lloyd Webb, Support Services Assistant, opened the night with a heartfelt poem he’d written for the occasion.

He told the audience how he was moved by the impact of the charity – particularly on the children’s ward where he’s often based – and reminded the audience: “With every penny made, a difference to a life is made.”

Staff members continued to impress the judges – a panel consisting of Garry Perry, Associate Director of Patient Voice (Experience), Esther Waterhouse, Consultant in Palliative Medicine, Ben Malpass, Assistant Communications Officer and Andy Tams, Undergraduate Medical Education Team Manager/Advanced Nurse Practitioner.

While deliberating as to who would take the crown last Friday night, Garry said: “To get up on stage tonight and entertain the way these acts have done is simply amazing.

“The evening was colourful and light-hearted – I really enjoyed it! I’m blown away by their courage and they all should be incredibly proud.”

Audience members were also invited to pick their favourite act – which resulted in ‘The Spicy Girls’, a Neonatal dance troop, winning the ‘People’s Choice’ award.

Jessica Hayles, ‘Baby Spice’ and Neonatal Sister, said: “Events like this are so good for morale, plus it enables us to promote our service, particularly when people may not know the extent of our work in the Neonatal Unit. We get to talk a bit about what we do, which is great.”

Michelle Curtis, ‘Ginger Spice’ and Staff Nurse, added: “We do have serious jobs, and it can be quite intense at times, but it’s not all doom and gloom and this shows we are able to have some fun! I loved our performance.”

Chris Newson, Consultant Anaesthetist, was the runner up, and after taking part for several years was “delighted” to be recognised for his commitment to performing high-quality magic.

“I feel as though I’ve performed better than ever before this year,” he said. “We’ve got a great crowd and great volunteers – a big thank you to them for their assistance tonight.”

Deputy Mayor Louise Harrison was the charity’s special guest for the evening. She said: “The acts have been so entertaining. Such amazing talent to watch!

“It’s been a night of joy and laughter, while at the same time I was very moved by Lloyd’s poem. It summed up what tonight’s all about.”

Audience members were ‘raised up’ in their seats with a memorable performance of Josh Groban’s ‘You Raise Me Up’ by the Trust’s Choir. So much so, the group found itself taking the top spot.

Gabriel Obesa, Volunteer Chaplain, is one of its members.

He said: “I’m quite emotional because of our win tonight. In our performance there was real expression of what the song meant to us, and it was contagious as everyone in the room started to sing and sway.

“You could feel the music lightening up the room!”

Fellow Choir member, Betty Tabe-Ojanj, Research Nurse, added: “This win is just so unexpected for us. A real surprise!

“We are so proud of what we’ve done, and I hope it encourages more people to join the choir.”

Georgie Westley, Fundraising and Engagement Manager, said: “Thank you to everyone involved – from our hosts Tom and Seb, to the lighting team, the caterers, those who donated prizes and all those who volunteered their time to help make this event take place. We raised £1,155 which is incredible and will go towards the services chosen by our worthy winners.”