THE spirit of late fundraiser Billy Birch lives on in Ellesmere Port as a charity event in his name raised more than £3,600 for worthy causes.

It took place at The Labour Sports and Social Club on Friday (November 16) boasting guests including former Liverpool star Mark Wright and comedian Phil Reid.

The Billy Birch Charity Night was organised by his family as part of their pledge to ensure his legacy lives on.

All proceeds will be used to buy toys for children in hospital and these will be distributed between the Countess of Chester and Arrowe Park on December 10 – exactly a year after Billy passed away.

Chester and District Standard:

Ellesmere Port's late fundraising superstar Billy Birch.

Billy’s son Mally told The Standard they had so far raised £3,645 and hoped to hit £4,000 by the end of the week.

He said: “I just want to say a massive big thank you to everyone who turned out on Friday night and to all those people who unfortunately couldn't make it but gave huge donations to support the Billy Birch Charity Night.

“I would like to give special thanks to all those people involved in making the night as successful as it was. To Phil Reid, who worked tirelessly all night, to Taz Ahmed for supplying the lovely food, Ex-Liverpool FC player Mark Wright who very kindly step in last minute due to Jason McAteer unfortunately having to step down last minute. Tiny Tim for giving us such laughter with his amazing child voice overs, and also the amazing band Beardsmith who were absolutely sensational.

"Also, Reece Ryan BCA and his team for turning up to lead their support. Along with Justin Madders local MP and past mayor Cllr Nicole Meardon. Also, the lovely Summer-Marie Gedall who is a report for the Liverpool Magazine.

“Not forgetting Erin Palin and David wood who have the thankless job of counting all the money we have raised. And here is the best news the total so far raised a staggering £3,645. Our goal when we set out this charity event was £4,000 we are so close to achieving this that we have decided to keep the donations open for one more week in the hope we can raise another £400 to reach our target.”

Billy died surrounded by his family, including children Mally, Neil, Stephen and Cheryl, at the Countess last year at the age of 76.

A popular character in his community, he dedicated his fundraising to the memory of his beloved late wife, Sylvia, and raised more than £113,000 over 26 years.

The family collected a British Citizen Award (BCA) on Billy’s behalf in London on July 5 following an anonymous nomination and then support from MP Justin Madders.