Football Legend Paul Merson heads to Horsham for special charity fundraising evening

Former Arsenal and England football star Paul Merson is heading to Horsham for a very special evening of entertainment and fundraising in support of the Olive Tree Cancer Support Group.

The charity, which operates cancer support centres in Horsham and Crawley, is hosting An Evening with Paul Merson on Friday 2nd July 2027, at Mannings Heath Hotel, Horsham, with the aim of raising vital funds to help continue providing free support services to people affected by cancer across Sussex.

The evening promises to be a memorable occasion, bringing together local businesses, community supporters and football fans for a night of entertainment, laughter and fundraising, all in aid of a much-loved local charity.

Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, a welcome drink on arrival, entertainment featuring Paul Merson, a DJ, a silent auction and a raffle, with the evening running from 7pm until midnight.

Supporting Local People Affected by Cancer

The Olive Tree Cancer Support Group provides a wide range of services completely free of charge to individuals diagnosed with cancer, as well as their families and carers.

With centres in Horsham and Crawley, the charity offers counselling, complementary therapies, massage, reflexology, hypnotherapy, wellbeing workshops, exercise classes and peer support groups, helping people navigate the emotional and physical challenges that often accompany a cancer diagnosis.

An Opportunity for Local Businesses to Make a Difference

The charity is particularly keen to encourage businesses across Horsham, Crawley and the wider Sussex area to get involved, either by booking a table for the evening or becoming an official event sponsor.

Tables of ten are available for £1,300, making the evening an ideal opportunity for businesses to entertain clients, reward employees or enjoy a special night with colleagues and friends while supporting an important local cause.

A range of corporate sponsorship packages is also available, offering businesses the opportunity to gain recognition while making a meaningful contribution to the charity.

Sponsorship opportunities include:

• Headline Sponsor – £3,500

• Gold Sponsor – £1,950

• Silver Sponsor – £750

• Supporting Sponsor – £350

A Special Night for a Very Important Cause

Mark Andrew, Horsham Centre Manager at the Olive Tree Cancer Support Group, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be bringing Paul Merson to Horsham for what promises to be a fantastic evening.

"The Olive Tree provides an incredible range of support services to people affected by cancer, and one of the things that makes our charity so special is that everything we offer is completely free of charge.

"However, providing these services comes at a significant cost, and with demand continuing to increase, fundraising has never been more important.

"We are hoping that local businesses and members of the community will really get behind this event. Whether that's booking a table, becoming a sponsor or helping us spread the word, every bit of support makes a difference.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy an evening with a true footballing personality while helping us continue to be there for local people when they need us most."

Book Your Table or Become a Sponsor

An Evening with Paul Merson takes place on Friday 2nd July 2027 at Mannings Heath Hotel, Hammerpond Road, Mannings Heath, Horsham, RH13 6PG.

The event begins at 7pm, with formal dress requested.

Tables of ten cost £1,300, with corporate sponsorship packages available from £350.

For table bookings, sponsorship enquiries or further information, contact:

Mark Andrew – Horsham Centre Manager

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 01403 627424

For more information about the charity and the services it provides, visit www.olivetreecancersupport.org.uk.