The evening will celebrate friendship and community, while raising funds to help both charities continue their work supporting people and families affected by incurable conditions and secondary breast cancer.

Havens Hospices supports children, young people and adults across Essex living with complex and incurable conditions, helping them make every day count during the most difficult of times. Big Purple Pants stands beside those navigating a secondary breast cancer diagnosis, offering understanding, connection and a place to feel less alone.

Organised by Claire, who is living with a secondary breast cancer diagnosis herself, and Lucy who is a Children’s Nurse at Havens Hospices, the event has been inspired by their own experiences of the two charities and the difference they have made to people they care about.

These two charities were there for Bex Oglina, Lucy and Claire’s friend, during her darkest days as she faced a terminal breast cancer diagnosis. Big Purple Pants welcomed Bex into their community, surrounding her with others who truly understood what she was going through, a lifeline when the world can suddenly feel isolating. Fair Havens cared for Bex and supported her family with compassion and dignity before her death in August 2024 aged just 33. The experience of seeing the care Bex received at Fair Havens gave Lucy an even deeper understanding of the importance of hospice care.

Claire has also experienced first-hand the support provided by Big Purple Pants, inspiring the pair to join forces and create an evening that gives something back to both organisations. This October Claire is celebrating her 50th birthday, so wanted to celebrate this milestone moment by doing something good to support a charity she cares so much about.

Lucy and Claire said:

“We both wanted to do something to support these two amazing charities, which have given so much to us and the people we care about. Bringing them together for one special evening felt like the perfect way to celebrate the incredible work they do, while raising much-needed funds.

“We’re hoping to create a night that is full of laughter, good food, music and great company – but most importantly, one that makes a real difference. We’d love people to come along, bring their friends and family, get dressed up and enjoy a fantastic evening for two very special causes.”

Guests will be welcomed with a drink on arrival, followed by a delicious three-course meal, with tea and coffee to finish. Entertainment throughout the evening will include live music from The Undercovers Essex, alongside a fundraising raffle and prize draw.

The event will take place at The Boundary, Garon Park, Southend, SS2 4FA, on Friday 25th September from 6:00pm until late, with a black-tie dress code.

Tickets are £65 per person, with the final tickets available until 7 September. Guests are encouraged to come with friends, family or colleagues and help make the evening a memorable celebration while raising funds for two charities making a difference across Southend and beyond.

All proceeds from the evening will be shared between Havens Hospices and Big Purple Pants.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please contact visit Home | Gala for Good

Published on 21st August 2026