WEST End performers, television actors and generations of dancers will take to the stage for thousands of patients fighting for their lives in support for the Adver’s 160 Appeal.

Tanwood School for Performing Arts, one of the oldest dance institutions in Swindon, will put on a summer ball on July 5 to mark its 70th anniversary, complete with a cabaret and routines from senior students and some of its most successful alumni.

The gala will double up as a fundraising event for the Adver’s campaign to collect £160,000 for Prospect Hospice after the performing arts centre offered to back the initiative and donate all the funds collected at the evening’s auction.

“The Adver have their big anniversary and we have got a big event this year so we thought let’s link together Swindon’s oldest successes and support each other,” said Pollyann Tanner, 51, who took over the running of the school from her mother Mollie 10 years ago.

“It’s going to be a big celebration and we will have former students there who are now starring in the West End or starred in their own TV shows. There is also going to be big cabaret and a big band, The Nathan Jones Allstars.”

As a great charity champion, Tanwood School has been an advocate of the Wroughton hospice since Prospect’s inception. Ten years ago the organisation’s work was brought a lot closer to home for the Tanner family when their aunt Pat was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“We have raised money for Prospect right from the beginning,” added Pollyann, of Grange Park. “We have always done a big show every November in the past and all the proceeds would go to Prospect.

“My mother’s sister Pat died of breast cancer 10 years ago and she had relied quite heavily on Prospect. A lot of Prospect doctors and nurses’ children also came to my mother’s kindergarten school so we’ve always had links with the hospice from an early stage and that relationship grew.”

Tanwood School, based at the Isis Trading Estate in Stratton Road, was originally set up in a garage, in 1944, by Mollie Tanner. Pollyann trained under her mother’s tutelage before pursuing a career in the West End and television.

The ball will take place at the Marriott Hotel from 7pm. Tickets cost £45 and include a three-course meal and welcome drinks. Email tanwood@tiscali.co.uk or call 07775 991700.