Swansea showbiz concert to fund treatment on stray dog Ella's eye - By paul lewis
Ella the stray dog, who was found wandering Jersey Marine with horrific chemical burns to her face.
A WHO'S who from Swansea's entertainment scene will come together for a concert to raise funds for a very special cause.
The show next month will be to raise money for Llys Nini Animal Centre and its appeal to pay for treatment for Ella, the dog found wandering Jersey Marine with horrific chemical burns to her face.
It is being organised by Phillip Arran, better known as Miss CC Swan, and Llys Nini fundraising co-ordinator Alison Lenihan, who is also a singer. Both will be performing on the night.
Alison said: "Phillip did the Llys Nini 2010 Skydive for us after finishing his run in Priscilla in the West End.
"He raised about £1,300, which was brilliant, but he promised he would put on a fundraising concert for us as well.
"Eventually, we decided to organise it together. Now we have loads of people agreeing to appear — the very best in local entertainment — and it's going to be a great night."
The concert takes place in the Swansea Dockers Club in St Thomas on Wednesday, October 6, with performances starting at 7pm.
Acts include Wendy Kane, Eve Sherratt, some of the cast from Swansea Women (Cath Sparks, Nia Trussler Jones and Phillip himself), Luke Stevens and Jimmy Webb.
Joining them will be Helen Enser Morgan, Richard Burman, Christian Rae, Claire Hammacott and Caroline Minns.
"All the artists are performing for free and the Dockers Club is not charging for the room," said Alison.
"There will also be a raffle and Phillip is going around local businesses, asking them if they would like to donate prizes."
Ella, a sheltie cross-breed, was found straying around Jersey Marine last month with severe burns to her face, belly and paws.
Vets believe the burns were caused by a chemical substance, but there is no way of knowing whether the dog was hurt accidentally or attacked.
The Ella appeal has so far raised more than £16,000 to pay for treatment.
The damage to her face was so severe that it was feared Ella's left eye, the worse affected of the two, might have to be removed.
But the dog is being taken to a specialist veterinary eye hospital in Leominster and there is renewed hope her left eye can be saved.
"She has been there a second time and she is looking a thousand times better," said Alison.
"Her eye looks clear. They are still not sure they can save it yet, but the burns are healing. She is looking better and she's much better in herself."
Tickets are available from the Dockers Club, Llys Nini or by calling 07850 991936.
To support the Ella appeal, send cheques to Llys Nini Animal Centre, Penllergaer, Swansea, SA4 9WB, or call 01792 229435.
