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Ice Fantasy Charity Ball
Posted by Spex Opticians, 7 December 2011
Our very own Kevin Horkin attended the star studed event over at Manchester Central on Saturday the 26th November. There was snow, reindeers and even a giant polar bear – yep, showbiz couple Denise Welch and Tim Healy really pulled out all the festive stops to host their 10th anniversary charity ball in Manchester at the weekend. The husband and wife team hosted their Ice Fantasy star-studded extravaganza over at Manchester Central, helping to raise thousands of pounds for Rochdale charity The Gem Appeal.
A grand prize auction helped to raise more than £50,000 at the bash, after an emotional speech from Rochdale mum Karen Johnson who started the Gem Appeal to fund research into genetic and metabolic disorders after her family's own heartbreaking plight with her two sons Simon and Mike Hoather victims of the genetic disease Hunter Syndrome. The event, hosted by radio stars Becky Want and Darren Proctor, also saw a packed night of entertainment on stage – including star turns by Sam Fox, reprising her 80s hit Touch Me, crooners The Overtones and Britain's Got Talent boyband New Bounce.
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Kirsty's Special Birthday Surprise
Posted by Spex Opticians, 7 November 2011
Business man Kevin Horkin joined television presenter Chris Tarrant to wish young charity figurehead Kirsty Howard happy birthday. Mr Horkin, the founder of Spex Opticians, joined the popular television star who presents “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” to celebrate Kirsty’s 16th birthday.
Mr Horkin is patron and fund-raiser for the charity, the Kirsty Club, of which Kirsty is figurehead and which raises funds for the St Francis House Children’s Hospice, Didsbury, Manchester.
Kirsty, who was awarded the prestigious Diana Award for being an inspirational role model after raising £5m for Francis House Children’s Hospice, was born with her heart back to front – a condition so rare there was not even a name for it. At the age of four, her parents were told she had just six weeks to live. Incredibly, that prognosis remains the same today. But she continues to defy all the medical odds and has picked up a host of celebrity supporters along the way.
“Kirsty was absolutely thrilled that Chris kept the date to help us celebrate her 16th birthday party,” said Mr Horkin. He explained that Chris had kindly taken to the stage to take on the role of auctioneer during the charity auction. “A fantastic night was had by all. Chris even led the singing in a rendition of Sweet 16,” Mr Horkin added.
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Kevin Horkin Draws Celebrities To Downing Street
Posted by Spex Opticians, 16 October 2011
A Downing Street reception organised by Clitheroe entrepreneur and councillor Kevin Horkin showcased all that is best in Lancashire. The event, held at 11 Downing Street, was in support of the Community Foundation for Lancashire, a charitable trust which helps donors to support their community by channelling money into community projects.
It is part of a nationwide network of community foundations which collectively delivered £70m. throughout the UK last year. A hundred guests, including Lancashire dignitaries, celebrities, business people and those with a strong interest in Lancashire were invited to the reception, which was hosted by Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne.
Among the famous faces were Cilla Black, Denise Welch and Carol McGiffin – all panellists on the top ITV daytime show “Loose Women” – plus actor William Roache (Coronation Street’s Ken Barlow) and “Stars in Their Eyes” winner and Shirley Bassey impersonator Maxine Berry.
Organiser Kevin Horkin, who last week won seats on Ribble Valley Borough Council and Clitheroe Town Council, commented: “One of the highlights of the event was seeing the outspoken lady trio from ‘Loose Women’ coming face to face with the Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne. The Chancellor said jokingly ‘Are we sure Downing Street is ready for this?’ “But what the 100 assembled guests were impressed with was learning about the work of the Community Foundation for Lancashire. This was a great showcase for Lancashire,” added Mr Horkin.
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Carol Thatcher Backs Charity Appeal
Posted by Spex Opticians, 11 September 2011
Carol Thatcher, the daughter of former Prime Minister Lady Margaret Thatcher, took time out of her busy schedule to attend a charity event in the Ribble Valley. The well-known journalist, author and controversial broadcaster was the guest speaker at the fund-raising lunch at the Gibbon Bridge Country House Hotel, Chipping, to boost funds for The Kirsty Appeal. The charity was set up to raise 5m. for the Francis House Children's Hospice. The charity's figurehead, Kirsty Howard, the brave youngster who was born with her heart back to front, was also in Chipping, sitting alongside Carol, who was crowned Queen of the jungle in the 2005 series of "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here".
Other special guests included ex-"Coronation Street" star Gaynor Faye, otherwise known as Judy Mallett, Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans and celebrity pet expert Kevin Horkin, who organised the event. A packed audience enjoyed Carol boom out anecdotes from her life while living in 10 Downing Street to her stint on "I'm a Celebrity ...and how she survived 16 days in an Australian jungle camp. She fondly spoke about her parents, especially her late father, Denis, whom she described as a "role model". Speaking to the Clitheroe Advertiser and Times she said she was delighted to come to the Ribble Valley and felt glad that she could help towards a worthwhile cause.
Spirit Of Lancashire Awards 2011
Posted by Spex Opticians, 1 December 2011
Lancashire businessman Kevin Horkin was awarded the “Philanthropist of the Year” Award in the “Spirit of Lancashire” Awards organised by the Community Foundation for Lancashire. The “Spirit of Lancashire” Awards were established to honour Lancashire charities and individuals for outstanding achievements in their respective fields. The “Philanthropist” award recognises an individual who has used his or her own success to consistently help other good causes.
Mr Horkin is the founder of the Spex chain of opticians as well as many other business interest, including Clitheroe shops Ken Varey’s Outdoor World, Lady Clitheroe and the Footwear Gallery. He is also a town and borough councillor in Clitheroe and has supported a range of charities and good causes for many years. “I was delighted to accept this particular recognition from the Community Foundation on behalf of all the charities I have worked with over the past 25 years,” he said. “Charity work is never down to any one individual – it is very much always a team effort.
