Top sportsmen in salute to Paul (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Top sportsmen in salute to Paul

9:19am Wednesday 5th September 2007 in News By Michael Black

Some of Britain's leading sportsmen will be among guests at the second Paul Hunter's Big Night Out.

Snooker legend Jimmy White, cricketers Martyn Moxon, Anthony McGrath and Craig White and golfer Mark James will be at the glittering charity ball at Ilkley Lido on September 15.

The fundraiser, in aid of the Paul Hunter Foundation, was set up in memory of the snooker star, who died from cancer in August last year.

He was widely tipped as a future world champion before his illness struck. Paul, 27, pictured, suffered from a rare form of cancer causing Neuro-Endocrine Tumour, or NETs as they are known. The foundation was set up by Paul's widow, Lyndsey, and aims to give opportunities to children and young people from all backgrounds, encouraging them to play snooker.

The Big Night Out, organised by a group of friends called Moor Fizz, raised £43,000 last year for the NET Patient Foundation. And this year organisers are hoping to match that figure with an exciting line-up, which includes a champagne reception, a display from Pudsey Pearl's synchronised swimming team, a dinner auction, prize draw and music from rat pack band The Cat Pack.

Organiser Mark Dexter said: "It will be a very exciting event and we already have about 500 people coming. Paul Hunter was very well thought of and loved, and that is reflected in the amount of sportsmen coming along to honour his memory."

A few tickets remain for the Big Night Out, which will start at the Denton Hall venue at 7pm. They cost £100 each or £1,000 for a table of ten. Telephone 07818 012275 for details.