SUMMER nights are coming early to Letchworth GC with one of the town’s residents organising a special screening of Grease to raise money for a charity close to her heart.

Joanne Hardwick decided to set up the showing at the Broadway Cinema to raise funds for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF), as her nine-year-old daughter Olivia was born with chronic liver disease, biliary atresia and had a liver transplant in June 2007.

“CLDF supports us in a range of ways - from holding a national conference where we can meet other families, to providing education for front line health professionals such as midwives and health visitors and funding vital research into childhood liver disease,” said Joanne.

“We are keen to give something back and what could be better than raising awareness and funds by bringing Grease mania to Letchworth! We are really grateful to the Broadway Cinema for their help with this event.”

The event on March 3 is one of many taking place to mark Big Yellow Friday on March 4 when people all around the country will be taking part in activities with a yellow theme in a bid to raise �50,000 for CLDF, the UK’s leading organisation dedicated to fighting all liver diseases of childhood.

The evening kicks off with a red carpet reception from 8.15pm in the cinema foyer before the showing, with its trademark sing-along songs.

There will also be a luxury raffle, with prizes including an iPad, champagne and chocolate hamper and a prize for the best dressed guest - those who wish to wear something yellow in support of Big Yellow Friday are encouraged to do so.

Catherine Arkley, chief executive of CLDF, added: “It’s very heartening to see how creative people can be with their fundraising ideas and the support which they get from their local communities.

“Grease night is a tremendous idea. We’re really grateful to Joanne for all her hard work and trust the people of Letchworth will be in fine voice that night!”

Admission is by advance ticket only as numbers are limited. Tickets, priced �10, are available from Joanne Hardwick on 07710 535014 or Helen Slater on 07971 556383.

For further information on CLDF visit www.childliverdisease.org or www.bigyellowfriday.org for more on fundraisers around the country.