'I said yes without hesitation': Beverley Knight excited to headline Steve Bull Foundation event

Proceeds from the event at Birmingham’s ICC in October will be divided between the two Midlands-based charities, which make a substantial impact in different areas of the local community.

The Steve Bull Foundation supports a huge variety of vital good causes, most recently Promise Dreams and Birmingham Children’s Hospital, whilst Cure Leukaemia is committed to connecting blood cancer patients to pioneering and potentially life-saving drug and transplant.

It comes after hundreds of thousands of pounds was raised for Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme who recently revealed he is in remission after battling acute leukaemia.

Beverley, from Wolverhampton is a hugely acclaimed singer-songwriter who has sold a million albums during her career so far, as well as award-winning performances in stage shows such as Cats, The Bodyguard and Memphis The Musical.

The 45-year-old is delighted to be back for a special exclusive night in the Midlands to be hosted by Heart Breakfast presenter Ed James.

“When my friend Bully asked me to be a part of his fundraising night at the ICC, I said yes without hesitation," she said.

“Having performed for the Steve Bull Foundation before, I knew how special a night it is.

“This year the addition of Cure Leukaemia to the list of charities that benefits from the night is fitting as Carl Ikeme who means so much to us, continues his own journey back to full health.

“I am looking forward to delivering an uplifting set on the night. It’ll be great!”

The two charities involved are delighted to be linking up for the spectacular event, taking place on the evening of October 6.

Bully said: “We have had some really positive meetings with Cure Leukaemia ahead of joining up for this event, which will hopefully raise a substantial sum of money to be shared between the two charities.

“I am chuffed that my mate Bev has agreed to perform at what will be a great night’s entertainment.

“We were both awarded the freedom of Wolverhampton earlier this year, which was a great honour, and a fitting tribute for Bev who has been at the top of the music industry now for so many years.

“Throughout her great successes, she has always stayed so humble and down to earth – she always puts on a memorable show and this promises to be another special night in Birmingham.”

Over the last year Cure Leukaemia has been indebted to the support of Wolves fans who have backed the charity to the tune of £143,000 since goalkeeper Carl Ikeme was diagnosed with leukaemia.

A proportion of the money raised was part of the £3.4million overall investment in redeveloping the globally significant Centre for Clinical Haematology at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, officially opened last month by HRH Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex.

“The Wolves fans have been unbelievable in how they came together to support Carl who has been an inspiration in how he has tackled this terrible disease,” said Cure Leukaemia CEO James McLaughlin.

“That is part of the reason why it feels right to be linking up with a Wolves legend in Steve Bull, and working with his Foundation to put on this fantastic event with another successful Wolves supporter in Beverley Knight.

“We are really appreciative of the support of both Beverley and the Steve Bull Foundation and we are looking forward to working together to put on a great night for two fantastic charities.

“The funds that Cure Leukaemia raise from this particularly event are going to be targeting an exciting new initiative that we are currently discussing, which we are planning to announce in the coming weeks.”

Tables of ten start at £700 plus VAT to include a four-course dinner, and Gold and VIP tables are also available. For more details or to book your tickets, email jacky@stevebullevents.com.

A host of sponsorship packages are also available. Contact Jackie on Jackie@cureleukaemia.co.uk