Ruby Appeal

On Saturday 10 November listeners' donations of over £25,000 pushed BBC Radio Leicester's Ruby Rainbow Appeal through the £400,000 barrier.

It's been a fantastic effort from listeners over the year – with donations coming from all over Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, along with proceeds from all kinds of fun events.

The total now stands at nearly £440,000 – and the prospect of raising half a million pounds for the Rainbows Children's Hospice near Loughborough by Christmas Day is very real indeed.

Saturday's Variety Show at De Montfort Hall should also make about £13,000 for the charity.

A packed audience of over 1,500 had a great night listening to the music of Showaddywaddy, Adam Watkiss, Surely Bassey and the Leicester Big Band to name just a few of the artists taking part.

Showaddywaddy's Dave Bartram

There was dancing too and comedy from Anthony King.

All the performers were home-grown Leicestershire personalities, helping BBC Radio Leicester presenters, who were also out in force, to celebrate their 40th birthday in style.

If you'd like to help the Ruby Rainbow Appeal reach the half a million pound mark, click the link to 'Ruby Rainbow Made Easy' on the top right-hand corner of the page.