Panto stars and audiences raising funds for charity set up in memory of Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry

Panto stars and audiences in South Tyneside are raising vital funds for a charity set up in memory of a popular couple.
The cast of Santas Naughty Elf: A Christmas Carol are raising money for the with bucket collections at the end of performances.The cast of Santas Naughty Elf: A Christmas Carol are raising money for the with bucket collections at the end of performances.
The cast of Santas Naughty Elf: A Christmas Carol are raising money for the with bucket collections at the end of performances.

The cast of Santa’s Naughty Elf, which is being performed for children aged under seven at The Customs House, in South Shields, are supporting the Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust.

The charity was set up in honour of Chloe Rutherford, 17, and Liam Curry, 19, from South Shields, who were among 22 people killed in a terrorist attack at Manchester Arena in May.

The charity was set up in memory of Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry.The charity was set up in memory of Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry.
The charity was set up in memory of Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Collections are being held at the end of each performance of Santa’s Naughty Elf: A Christmas Carol in aid of the charity.

Talented performer Chloe had appeared on stage at The Customs House on several occasions, and several fundraising events for the trust have been held at the Mill Dam venue.

Wayne Miller, who writes and directs the show and stars as Santa’s Naughty Elf, Elfluent, said: “We are such a strong community in South Shields, even more when you are a performer, so having our production and cast support the Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust seemed the right thing to do.

“Over the festive period we have thousands of families here, enjoying Santa’s Naughty Elf together.

The charity was set up in memory of Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry.The charity was set up in memory of Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry.
The charity was set up in memory of Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Raising money with these audiences is about us all standing together at Christmas, remembering and supporting these two wonderful people the best we can.

“We have made a fantastic start, which I’m so proud of. I hope we can raise as much money as possible and have others join us in being a part of something special.”

The Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust aims to provide funding to help youngsters in South Tyneside achieve their potential through their love of performance or sport. Liam was a keen cricketer, and Chloe was a talented performer.

Chloe’s mum, Lisa Rutherford, said: “We have been overwhelmed and amazed by all the love and support we have received from the people of South Shields. It just feels like everyone wants to give, which is fantastic. Chloe and Liam loved Christmas and I know they would be really honoured that the cast of Santa’s Naughty Elf have chosen to support the Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust.

“It is a very fitting way for them to be remembered.”

The show will run until Christmas Eve, with a limited number of tickets available by calling 0191 454 1234 or visiting www.customshouse.co.uk.