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francis house

Show for Francis House raises a ‘handsome sum’ 150 150 mhamer

Show for Francis House raises a ‘handsome sum’

Jimmy Cricket with Jim Nicholas and Canon McBride

A charity show in Salford featuring famous comedian Jimmy Cricket raised a “handsome sum” for Francis House Children’s Hospice.

Jimmy Cricket's wife May Marion with Canon Tony McBride

The event was held at St Peter’s & St Paul’s Parish Centre in Eccles at the end of April.

Jimmy performs each year in about eight shows across the Greater Manchester region to raise money for the hospice, which is located in South Manchester.

Each performance also features his wife May Marion singing, with Jim Nicholas completing the line-up with his Cliff’s Disco outfit.

Above, Jimmy is pictured with Jim Nicholas and Canon McBride, whose parish centre was where the show was hosted. Right, Canon McBride is with May.

Other fundraising events to come will take place at St Patrick’s Social Centre, Collyhurst in Manchester on Friday October 9 and St Mary’s Parish Centre in Denton on Wednesday October 21.

Fun run poster flags up birthday charity event 150 150 mhamer

Fun run poster flags up birthday charity event

The special poster publicising the charity fun run being organised to mark Jimmy Cricket's 70th birthday in OctoberA special poster has been produced to publicise the 5K charity fun run being organised to mark Jimmy Cricket’s 70th birthday in October.

The event is being arranged in Jimmy’s adopted hometown of Rochdale in Greater Manchester by a seasoned run organiser called Andy O’Sullivan, who is not only associated with the local Rochdale Harriers running club, but who has also been awarded the MBE for all the fundraising he has done over the years.

Famous Northern Irish entertainer Jimmy will turn 70 on 17 October 2015 and his birthday race will take place the following day.

The location of the start will be the Cock & Magpie pub in Whitworth, near Jimmy’s beloved Healey Dell Nature Reserve where he is often spotted walking and taking in the beautiful surroundings.

He will be there in person to start the race off at 11.30am, with the route planned to take in two laps of Cowm Reservoir, ensuring the race will be a true 5K.

Jimmy said:  “A big thank you to Rachel –  one of the charity’s trainee fundraisers – for producing a nice flyer for the event (above right).

“Naturally, I will be on hand to start the race off outside the Cock & Magpie public house and welcome back the winners after two laps of this stunning water feature. I will also hand out the prizes in the Cock & Magpie once all runners are safely back home.”

All proceeds from the fun run will be donated to one of Jimmy’s favourite charities, which is the Francis House Children’s Hospice in Manchester.

The entry fee to join Jimmy on this fun race is £4 to club runners and £6 to all others. An additional £1 will be charged to entrants who turn up on the day. Prizes will be awarded to all race finishers.

For more information and for a copy of the entry form, please contact Andy O’Sullivan at info@andemsrunners.co.uk

Fun run plans get media coverage 150 150 mhamer

Fun run plans get media coverage

Jimmy Cricket's plans for a fun run were featured in the Rochdale Observer newspaper

Jimmy Cricket’s plans to stage a special fun run to mark his 70th birthday have received coverage in his local newspaper.

The Rochdale Observer published the above report and picture on the race, which will take place on 18 October 2015 – the day after the well-known entertainer turns 70.

The Belfast-born comedian was approached by Rochdale-based fundraiser Andy O’Sullivan about the prospect of a birthday race.

Andy has been organising charity runs with the local Rochdale Harriers athletics club for many years.

The location of the start will be the Cock & Magpie pub in Whitworth, near Jimmy’s beloved Healey Dell Nature Reserve where he is often spotted walking and taking in the beautiful surroundings.

All proceeds from the fun run will be donated to one of Jimmy’s favourite charities, which is the Francis House Children’s Hospice in Manchester.

The entry fee to join Jimmy on this fun race is £4 to club runners and £6 to all others. An additional £1 will be charged to entrants who turn up on the day. Prizes will be awarded to all race finishers.

For more information and for a copy of the entry form, please contact Andy O’Sullivan at info@andemsrunners.co.uk

Fun run to mark Jimmy’s 70th birthday 150 150 mhamer

Fun run to mark Jimmy’s 70th birthday

Jimmy Cricket's fun run will take place in October 2015Legendary comedian Jimmy Cricket will celebrate his 70th birthday next year with a special fun run in his adopted hometown of Rochdale.

The Belfast-born entertainer was approached by Rochdale-based fundraiser Andy O’Sullivan about the prospect of a birthday race. Andy has been organising charity runs with the local Rochdale Harriers athletics club for many years.

Jimmy will turn 70 on 17 October 2015 and his birthday race will take place the following day.

The location of the start on Sunday, 18 October will be the Cock & Magpie pub in Whitworth, near Jimmy’s beloved Healey Dell Nature Reserve where he is often spotted walking and taking in the beautiful surroundings.

He will be there in person to start the race off at 11.30am, with the route planned to take in two laps of Cowm Reservoir, ensuring the race will be a true 5K.

After the race Jimmy will also be on hand to present the prizes and perhaps offer a slice of birthday cake too!

All proceeds from the fun run will be donated to one of Jimmy’s favourite charities which is the Francis House Children’s Hospice in Manchester.

Race organiser Andy O’Sullivan said: “I recently bumped into Jimmy in Healey Dell and we got chatting about what he is up to. When he mentioned that next year was his 70th birthday, I thought ‘why not mark this with a specially arranged birthday race?'”

“The idea of the race came to me as Jimmy is such a well-known person and has contributed so much to local Rochdale life over the years.”

Jimmy said: “I am honoured this race is going to be organised for my 70th birthday. I was wondering how I could celebrate the arrival of this milestone in some way and this race will be a wonderful occasion.

“It will be quite a spectacular route for all who want to participate. But I am also hoping my many Rochdale friends will come along and spectate to enable the event to raise as much money as possible for such a worthy cause as Francis House.”

The entry fee to join Jimmy on this fun race is £4 to club runners and £6 to all others. An additional £1 will be charged to entrants who turn up on the day. Prizes will be awarded to all race finishers.

For more information and for a copy of the entry form, please contact Andy O’Sullivan at info@andemsrunners.co.uk

60s pop group among acts at fundraiser 150 150 mhamer

60s pop group among acts at fundraiser

Jimmy Cricket performing at the Oldham Coliseum Theatre in aid of Francis House Children's HospiceA show at the Oldham Coliseum Theatre in which Jimmy Cricket appeared raised almost £6,000 for the Francis House Children’s Hospice in south Manchester.

The gala concert in early April also featured the 60s legends The Ivy League and other excellent performances were from female vocalist Julie A Scott, the double act Harris and Day, and the Greater Manchester Police choir.

It was organised by Jimmy and his close friend Jim Nicholas, who was also the host.

A lot of credit must go to the sponsors of the event who were: Barclays Bank, Swan Inn in Dobcross, Chesters coaches, The Old Bell Inn in Delph, Salford Discount Carpets and Beds, Phoenix Financial Services Ltd, and PJD heating, plumbing and gas fitters.

Press the arrow button below to view a slideshow of the concert. Ricky Sandtime Matthews took the majority of the photographs.

‘Special medal is fitting recognition’ 150 150 mhamer

‘Special medal is fitting recognition’

A good friend of well-known entertainer Jimmy Cricket has been honoured for distinguished service to the Roman Catholic Church and its community.

Jim Nicholas, a DJ and comedian, was featured in the Manchester Evening News for all his fundraising exploits for the Francis House Children’s Hospice in Manchester.

Jim Nicholas was featured in the Manchester Evening News for all his fund-raising work for the Francis House Children’s Hospice in Manchester

Jim Nicholas was featured in the Manchester Evening News for all his fundraising work for the Francis House Children’s Hospice in Manchester

He has been awarded the Papal Medal, which is also known as the Benemerenti.

The medal was presented to him by the Rt Rev Terence Brain, the Bishop of Salford.

Jimmy was at the ceremony and is quoted in the article, right, saying: “I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this magnificent award than Jim.

“He has worked tirelessly for Francis House over the years, raising a phenomenal amount of money for this cause.

“It’s been a real pleasure to have known him and to have shared the platform with him at various charity concerts.

“This special medal is fitting recognition for his marvellous contribution to the parishes and communities where he’s lived and helped support.”

* Read about the latest fundraising event for Francis House Children’s Hospice involving Jimmy and Jim.

Enjoyable trip down Memory Lane 150 150 mhamer

Enjoyable trip down Memory Lane
Jimmy with the Rev Tim Hopkins, Frankie – who supervised the event's box office – and his lovely wife, Maggie

Jimmy with the Rev Tim Hopkins, Frankie – who supervised the event's box office – and his wife, Maggie

Jimmy Cricket enjoyed a nostalgia trip when he appeared at St Mary’s Parish Centre in Denton, Greater Manchester.

The popular comedian was pleased to be reminded of two books which he released in the 1980s containing volumes of his famous “Letters from his Mammy”.

Paul brought along copies of the “Letters from his Mammy” books Jimmy released in the 1980s

Paul brought along copies of the “Letters from his Mammy” books Jimmy released in the 1980s

He was appearing in a fund-raiser which was the first event of this year’s annual tour of Manchester Catholic parishes where Jimmy performs in aid of the Francis House Children’s Hospice.

The event raised £1,500 for Francis House on the night.

Francis House Children’s Hospice, which is based at Didsbury in Manchester, cares for children and young adults with life-threatening conditions.

It also provides a home from home where families can receive professional care, support and friendship.

Care is given free of charge, regardless of faith or cultural background.

Francis House is open to all families who have children under 16 years of age on referral diagnosed as having a life-threatening or life-limiting condition.

Learn more about the great work done by Francis House Children’s Hospice at the charity’s official website.

Jimmy and wife May with Pauline (who made the teas and coffees) and Pat, both committee members who helped organise the evening

Jimmy and wife May with Pauline (who made the teas and coffees) and Pat, both committee members who helped organise the evening