Celeb-filled fundraiser in memory of MND patient

A woman has organised a celebrity-filled event to support patients with motor neurone disease (MND) following the sudden loss of her husband.

Mel Evans MBE died at the age of 65 in 2017, 15 months after a surprise MND diagnosis.

His widow Lynn Pritchatt, 54, who has since created a charity in his name, said: "With MND it's a diagnosis that comes totally out of the blue, it did with us. It's one of the most horrific diseases that can affect a strong human body."

The charity is now showcasing a fundraising event in which celebrities will appear, albeit temporarily under masks before a grand reveal.

Before his diagnosis, Mr Evans was a Crown Green Bowls player, and was responsible, his wife said, for bringing it back on to TV screens.

"He would be extremely proud, and humbled, that there is a charity in his name, to try and make a difference," added the Birmingham resident.

The fundraising night is being held at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham on 18 October.

Ms Pritchatt said: "It's going to be a very, very special evening. It's a night to wrap our arms around the MND community to show them they are loved, because they need that."

An early peek behind the masks has confirmed that celebrities in attendance will include former England cricketer Phil Tufnell, actors Christopher Biggins, Daniel Brocklebank and Peter Ash, and footballer Marcus Stewart.

Other names will be kept a secret until the big night.

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