Actress Julie Graham talks to Latest 7 about being a patron for Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice and why she’s looking forward to the Snowman Spectacular Ball
When Latest 7 talks to Julie Graham, the Scottish-born actress is eagerly anticipating this year’s Snowman Spectacular Fundraising Ball. The event is a huge charity fundraiser for local children’s hospice Chestnut Tree House and takes place at the Brighton Hilton Metropole on Saturday 4 December. Raymond Briggs’ iconic images from the ever-popular story The Snowman have become synonymous with the ball, which returns for its third year, and Briggs, like Julie Graham, is a patron of the hospice.
Their Snowman Ball is the most glamorous way to kick off the festive season. “Everyone gets dressed up to the nines,” Julie says. “I’ve got two step-daughters who are 13 and ten, who I took last year. We went out shopping for nice fancy clothes and they loved it!”
The ball, of course, is also raising vital funds for a good cause. “Local businesses in Sussex are extremely generous in supporting the ball,” Julie continues. “But we need more businesses to get involved because they are the heart and soul of it – as well as individuals. I think every penny raised by individuals and businesses should be morally matched by the government. People should lobby their local MP; we’ve got a Green MP in Brighton now, maybe she’ll have more of a say…”
“Chestnut Tree House always need people to get involved. Attending the Snowman Ball is a fantastic way to support the hospice and the children and families in their care”
At present, less than 10 per cent of funding comes from the government, with fundraising events relied upon to keep the hospice running and continuing with their work.
Last year’s ball raised £60,000 on the night, so their aim will be to top that amount this year. Famous faces and fantastic entertainment make it a night to remember. Guests at this year’s ball will enjoy a three-course meal and entertainment in the form of magic and comedy from Paul Zenon and music from Still Drifting, featuring former lead singer of The Drifters, Ray Lewis.
“They have a public auction with great lots,” Julie says. “They have celebrity chefs who will come and cook in your home, trips to New York, trips all over Europe; you can win sporting memorabilia and celebrity memorabilia. There’s a lot of stuff people can bid for, and a silent auction too. These are always phenomenal as people donate fantastic things.”
Chestnut Tree House relies on fundraising events like this to provide care for the 210 children and families they look after each year. They provide care for children with life-limiting conditions and respite for their families too “What makes the charity very special is that it helps any family, regardless of class, race or age,” Julie continues. “That’s why it’s really important people get involved, because it does affect everyone. Even small things like fundraising events at schools, colleges or universities – any amount of money raised is going towards a fantastic cause.”
Other Chestnut Tree House fundraising events include The Night To Remember midnight walk in summer and the Santa Fun Run in winter, but the Snowman Ball is definitely one of the most spectacular events on the calendar this festive season. Julie is always looking for opportunities – aside from the big fundraising events on the calendar – to raise money and awareness for the local hospice. “Local fundraisers are always the best,” she says. “Even in London it can be hard to ask them to do a whip round in the audience, because even though it’s a fantastic charity it’s not in their area. I think people get more involved if they know it’s a local charity in their community.”
Julie Graham moved to Brighton from London 10 years ago and has two children with her husband, and has two step-daughters. “I’d had enough of living in London and felt I wanted to be close enough to work there. I grew up by the sea and always loved Brighton so it seemed like the natural place. Plus people are always really lovely and laid back here.”
The actress is most recognised for her work on TV’s William And Mary. “That and Survivors,” she says, referring to her role as Abby Grant in the hit BBC show. The actress has currently swapped the TV cameras for the live stage: “I’m doing a play in a theatre in London, and I have about a month to go. I haven’t been on stage since before I had children, so it was pretty nerve wracking. I’d been wanting to do it for ages but just hadn’t found the right project and it’s also difficult with young children as a lot of it is touring.”
Back in Brighton the star remains heavily involved in supporting the Arundel-based Chestnut Tree House. “The hospice has an amazing atmosphere and the people who work there are incredible. Paradoxically, it’s a very uplifting experience. You’re made to feel very welcome when you go there, so I would urge anyone to visit – the building is incredibly inspiring.”
The hospice always need businesses and individuals to get involved. Supporting Chestnut Tree House through attending the Snowman Ball is a fantastic way to help the children and families in their care. “Apart from the fact that it is a great fundraiser, it’s also brilliant fun,” Julie adds. “They’ve always got great guests. Some of the families and the children from the hospice come along too. It’s a festive ball; it’s a time to dress up, and it’s also
a great reminder about the amazing work the hospice is doing. Guests are contributing to a great cause and everybody comes away having had a great time.”
The Snowman Spectacular Fundraising Ball, Saturday 4 December, Brighton Hilton Metropole Hotel, 7pm, tickets from £85. For more information or to book call 01903 871817 or visit www.thesnowmanspectacular.org.uk. Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice, Dover Lane, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9PX, 0845 450 5820, www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk
Macbeth, Macbeth, Macbeth! There, it’s out of my system now and I will be able to resist inciting the wrath of the ghosts when I enter Brighton Dome to see the centrepiece of this long weekend of Shakespearean events. 
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