Isle Charity night will honour Anna

The swish event next Saturday will mark the launch of Epworth-based TeamVerrico.

TeamVerrico evolved following the cancer diagnosis and subsequent tragic loss of young Epworth mum Anna Verrico, in November last year.

Star guests include American singer Tom Kimmel who was Anna’s favourite singer. Tom is flying in to headline the evening, that also includes Isle based duo Rita Payne.

A film explaining the background and work of TeamVerrico has been recorded by Hollywood actor Hugo Speer of Full Monty and Three Musketeers fame, and he too hopes to put in an appearance.

All who attend are invited to dress up and enjoy being wined and dined in the attractive Baths Hall venue at Scunthorpe.

The action starts at 6.30pm with pianist Sam Young, and after a glass of fizz, guests will be seated for their three-course summer menu that will have a slight Italian flavour.

Tom Kimmel will then take centre stage, followed by an auction, and Rita Payne, who have just launched their second album. The true reason behind the evening will be demonstrated by the film, and Hugo Speer’s message.

Paul Verrico said: “The real driving force behind TeamVerrico was my wife – she chose to move forward and raise money to provide a bursary to research cancer when in the middle of chemotherapy herself. When the chemo ended, and we thought we had a chance of normal life, Anna was training for the Isle half-marathon in September 2013 with friends.

“Sadly, the cancer came back – but even to the end, she wanted to help others, and spent pain-ridden nights on forums supporting other terminally ill women with treatment choices. The new charity will continue to honour her life, legacy and determination. July 19 is just the start.”

Visit www.teamverrico.org for more details.