TV’s Ben Miller to host fund raising event at Fifteen Cornwall

Acclaimed actor and comedian Ben Miller will host a special fund-raising dinner and auction at Fifteen Cornwall as part of the White Stuff Surf Relief Festival. The restaurant’s Executive Chef Neil Haydock has devised a six-course tasting menu for the Friday 25 July event, where Ben Miller will compere an auction to benefit the charities Surf Relief UK and the Cornwall Foundation of Promise. Ben Miller stayed at Watergate Bay last summer while filming ITV’s Moving Wallpaper, the partner show to Echo Beach. He also stars in the BBC1 comedy series The Armstrong and Miller Show.

“We are delighted that Ben Miller will be hosting the dinner and auction at Fifteen Cornwall to support two incredible charities,” said Susan Crawford, Marketing Manager at White Stuff.

“It looks set to be a fantastic evening - we have sourced some amazing lots for the auction and I know the students and staff at Fifteen Cornwall will do everything they can to make it a night to remember. This is a wonderful opportunity to raise a significant amount for two charities whose activities make a real difference to the lives of disadvantaged and disabled young people.” Organisers have put together a tempting collection of lots for the auction - many of which are unique experiences which cannot normally be bought.

Sports fans can choose between bidding on a tour of Twickenham with England international rugby star Josh Lewsey; a personally dedicated Stewart surf board signed by Jamie Oliver, covered in graffiti art by Ross Imms; or an individual kitesurf lesson from world record-breaking kitesurfer Andreya Bennett. Also on offer are two lots which give a glimpse of the glamorous world of live television: a day behind the scenes at GMTV; and to watch the filming of an episode of the Friday Night Project as the guest of presenter Justin Lee Collins.

For some, the experience is all about pure indulgence: there’s a week sailing on a luxury yacht in Antigua; a pamper day at a Champneys day spa; and a complete fashion makeover from top stylists plus a new wardrobe from White Stuff.

Money raised on the evening will be split between the two charities, both of which have young people at the heart of their focus.

Surf Relief UK’s ‘Surfable’ project provides subsidised surfing lessons to introduce disabled young people to the sport for the first time; Fifteen Cornwall offers disadvantaged young people a unique opportunity to gain skills and experience within the catering industry that can help turn their lives around.

“Both Fifteen and Surf Relief were set up to help kids facing big challenges in life . . . by offering them another one. The chance to get in that kitchen and make a name for themselves, or to get out there in the waves where they probably never thought they’d feel at home,” said Dave Meneer, Chief Executive Officer of Fifteen Cornwall.

Dave Manley, Chairman of Surf Relief UK, added: “Money raised from the event will be shared between the two charities, and for every £15 raised for Surf Relief UK a disabled child or young person will receive a one-to-one surfing lesson with an experienced instructor from our surf school network - an experience that, for many, will stay with them for ever.”

Tickets for the evening are now on sale priced at £150 per person from Natasha Arnold at Fifteen Cornwall (natasha@fifteencornwall.co.uk). The ticket price includes a donation of £50 which will be split between the two charities.

Lots confirmed so far include:

• A behind the scenes tour of GMTV. Watch the broadcast live, meet the presenters and visit the production gallery to see how the final show is put together.
• 3 x Fifteen - visit Cornwall, London and Amsterdam for dining experiences in all three Fifteens.
• A hair, beauty and fashion makeover by top celebrity stylists Rachel Wood and Lisa Nicolaou, a beauty kit from Benefit and a whole new wardrobe from White Stuff.
• A tour of Twickenham Stadium Tour and visit to the World Rugby Museum with England Rugby Union star Josh Lewsey.
• An organic bread masterclass from Flour Power in Borough Market, followed by lunch at Roast (voted
Best Restaurant in Borough) who will serve the bread you’ve baked.
• Photographer Nina Duncan, whose past subjects include the Queen and Nelson Mandela, will chronicle a day in the life of your family.
• One week’s use of a classic VW camper van from O’Connors Campers, plus a luxury camping hamper from Fortnum & Mason.
• A day learning to kitesurf at Watergate Bay with world record breaking kitesurfer Andreya Bennett, and lunch at Fifteen Cornwall.
• A personally dedicated Stewart surf board signed by Jamie Oliver, covered in graffiti art by renowned artist Ross Imms. Your own one-off piece of surfboard art.
• A family sailing holiday in the Caribbean - spend a week in Antigua aboard one of Sunsail’s fully equipped yachts with all the luxuries your family need.
• A day of pampering for two people at one of Champneys world-renowned day spas, and a Fortnum &
Mason hamper full of delicious treats to round off your day.
• Justin Lee Collins invites you to come and see the Friday Night Project filmed in London next series. It’ll be followed it up with dinner at Shoreditch’s Light Bar.
• A bespoke designer doggy coat courtesy of White Stuff, and a years supply of dog food, treats, toys and other goodies from Pets At Home.