THE organiser of a major fundraising event says “I’m backing Butterwick” after its former boss was jailed for costing the charity tens of thousands of pounds.

John Adamson, owner of Ramside Estates, has pledged his support to the Butterwick Hospice which will be in line for a donation following the North East Oyster Festival.

It has been confirmed the 15th annual fundraiser at Hardwick Hall Hotel, near Sedgefield, on Friday, September 28, will continue to support the charity this year.

Mr Adamson said: “There was never any doubt that the North East Oyster Festival would continue to support Butterwick Hospice Care.

“This is a vital charity in the Teesside and County Durham areas which provides an unrivalled service.

“The idea that the charity should suffer as a result of one individual is simply unthinkable, and I am proud to say that we will continue to do as much as we can to help boost funds through our event.”

Last year, former chief executive Graham Leggatt-Chidgey, from near Barnard Castle, was sacked by the Butterwick Hospice when concern was raised about his misuse of a corporate credit card.

It emerged he had spent £91,000 of the charity’s money on luxury goods, hotels and designer clothes.

The 63-year-old, who pleaded guilty to a single charge of fraud at Teesside Crown Court last month, was sentenced to four years behind bars last week.

Known as one of the region’s most glamorous networking events, the North East Oyster Festival has raised cash for the Butterwick Hospice since 2016.

Headlining this year is singer Gabrielle and comedy DJ Ivan Brackenbury.

Local comedian Steve Walls will be compere the event which will also feature live Irish music from Emerald Thieves and the JJ Galway Band.

Mr Adamson added: “The festival is now recognised as one of the region’s most popular fundraising events, and I feel that now, more than ever, we should all be getting behind Butterwick Hospice Care.

"We are delighted to have secured Gabrielle, who, along with our other entertainers, will make it a day to remember for all the right reasons.”

Butterwick Hospice provides care to people with life-limiting illnesses, and was set up by founder Mary Butterwick in 1984 using money from the sale of her house.

It offers a better quality of life through pain control, soothing therapies, family support and ongoing bereavement counselling.

For festival details and tickets call 01740-620253, email events@hardwickhallhotel.co.uk, or visit theoysterfestival.co.uk

The Northern Echo launched I'm backing Butterwick following Leggat-Chidgey's guilty plea after bosses revealed a huge downturn in donations.

The campaign calls on people in the North-East to get behind the charity.