The Starr Trust Charity Announces Olympians Eddie the Eagle and Robin Cousins MBE as Guest Hosts for Winter Extravaganza Ball 2022

The Hove based charity, established in 2008, hosted an exclusive lunch at the iconic Brighton Palace Pier’s Palm Court Restaurant, to launch their Winter Extravaganza Ball. 

A number of VIP guests including charity Patron and Olympian Robin Cousins MBE, TV Vet Dr Marc Abraham OBE (aka Marc the Vet) and Actor & Big Brother Winner Jason Burrell attended the special event.

To the timely backdrop of a snow flurry over Brighton’s coastline, the Starr Trust officially opened bookings for their Winter Ball, which takes place at the Hilton Brighton Metropole on 29th October, and will feature special guest Olympian Ski Jumper Eddie the Eagle, alongside Olympian Figure Skating Legend Robin Cousins MBE. 

Guests enjoyed the panoramic seaside views from the landmark venue where they were treated to a traditional fish and chip lunch, kindly sponsored by Palm Court Restaurant who have recently announced their partnership with the Starr Trust charity. 

Ann Ackord, CEO of Brighton Palace Pier said: “The team at Brighton Palace Pier were delighted to welcome the Starr Trust and their amazing Ambassadors to our Palm Court Restaurant. We hope this is the start of a long-term relationship with such a wonderful charity.”

Patron, Robin Cousins talked passionately to guests about the Trust saying: “It’s always great to tell people about the wonderful work the Starr Trust does and to encourage new supporters. Having Alex and her Mum be able to speak so honestly really shows how the Starr Trust can have immediate impact and help with long-term goals. It was also good to be able to give a boost to the Winter Extravaganza that I’ll be co-hosting. If you haven’t already done so, get your tickets NOW!”

Guests heard from Alex, a young Starr previously supported by the Trust, who confidently spoke alongside her mother to share her story. Alex said: “The Starr Trust has changed my life in multiple ways. I was not a functioning human being. I was deeply deeply depressed in mainstream education and with their support and funding an alternative college placement, I learnt how to laugh, talk and be happy! They funded some special equipment for my laptop to help with my dyslexia and my grades went from predicted D grades to achieving all A*. Without this support, none of this would have been possible”. 

Alex is now a university student studying to become a teacher herself to support young people with Special Educational Needs. 

The Starr Trust thanked sponsors kindly supporting the Winter Extravaganza including: Handelsbanken, Creative Pod, Hilton Brighton Metropole, Gemini Print and Brighton Palace Pier. 

Bookings are now open for the Winter Extravaganza and tickets or table sales can be secured by emailing: enquiries@starrtrust.org

For more information please visit: www.starrtrust.org/events