Complete with tennis ball table centre pieces, Pimms and inflatable strawberries, this year’s LOROS Ladies Luncheon was suitably themed for guest speaker, Judy Murray.
The event, which was held at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium, was a sell-out, with 600 women eager to meet Judy, the mother of professional tennis players, Andy and Jamie Murray.
Judy, who is also known for her time on Strictly Come Dancing, managed to get an early flight down from her home in Scotland so she could squeeze in a tour of the Hospice beforehand. “I was really impressed with LOROS,” she said.
“It’s amazing that it was right in the middle of the community and it is clear that LOROS is a big part of the community and the local area down here are very proud of it.
“There was such brightness to the Hospice and I particularly loved that the patients' rooms looked out onto the gardens.”
As well as meeting patients in the Day Therapy Unit, Judy also met members of staff and volunteers at the Hospice.
“It was great to see the entire place,” she added.
“It’s clear, a real special effort is made by a lot of different people to ensure LOROS continues to provide the best quality of care it can to patients.”
After her tour – and a quick outfit change – Judy was able to enjoy a three course meal at the annual Ladies Luncheon, which is in its 31st year.
“It was nice to see so many people from across the city and county coming together to support LOROS,” said Judy.
“All women like an excuse to dress up, shop and socialise.
“There was a nice buzz about the event and I loved how they had strawberries and Pimms decorations, to get me ready for Wimbledon.”
There was also a range of stalls on site, selling handbags, jewellery, beauty gifts and home decorations.
LOROS Events Lead and Ladies Luncheon organiser, Laura Betts, said: “The event proved to be so popular this year, we’d sold out with weeks to go before the day itself.
“We raised £10,000 this year, which is brilliant and enough to cover the cost of care of an inpatient for 20 days at LOROS.
“Judy was a fantastic guest speaker and all of our ladies loved listening to her anecdotes and tales from the world of tennis as well as her time on Strictly.”
For more information on any other LOROS events or to find out how you can support the Hospice, visit loros.co.uk/support-us
