An Inspiring Ladies Lunch in Support of The Wish Centre

More than 60 women, business leaders, community champions and supporters gathered at Mytton Fold Hotel on Friday for The Wish Centre's Ladies Lunch 2026 – an inspiring afternoon dedicated to raising awareness, celebrating resilience and creating change for women and children affected by domestic abuse.

The event, themed "Women Coming Together to Create Change," brought together women from across Lancashire who share a commitment to supporting those impacted by domestic abuse and helping build safer futures for women and families.

We were honoured to welcome His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Amanda Parker, alongside our CEO Shigufta Khan, Chair of Trustees Pauline Geraghty MBE, Honorary Advocate Lizzie Moorby, keynote speaker Rachel Horman-Brown KC(Hon)   , local supporters, sponsors and community leaders.

A Room Filled with Purpose

From the moment guests arrived, there was a powerful sense of connection and shared purpose. Conversations flowed as women from different backgrounds, sectors and communities came together to network, learn and support a cause that affects millions of people across the UK.

The afternoon was opened by performances from The Feniscowles and Cherry Tree Singing Group, whose uplifting music perfectly reflected the spirit of unity and hope that defined the event.

Guests then heard from The Wish Centre's CEO, Shigufta Khan, who highlighted both the scale of domestic abuse nationally and the life-changing work undertaken by the charity every day.

The Reality Behind the Statistics

Domestic abuse remains one of the most significant social issues facing our communities.

During the event, guests learned that:

• An estimated 3.8 million adults experienced domestic abuse in the last year.
• Around 1 million children are affected by domestic abuse.
• One in three women will experience domestic abuse during their lifetime.
• A woman is killed every three days by a current or former partner.
• These statistics are alarming, but they are not just numbers. Behind every figure is a person, a family and a story.

That is why The Wish Centre exists.

The Difference Your Support Makes

While the challenges are significant, the event also celebrated the impact that can be achieved when communities come together.

Over the past year, The Wish Centre has:

• Supported 3,700 people across its services.
• Responded to approximately 7,500 incidents of abuse.
• Supported 2,095 individuals through specialist Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) services.
• Worked with 656 children and young people.
• Managed 415 high-risk cases involving serious harm or risk to life.
• Delivered 399 referrals into victim recovery programmes.

Every one of these figures represents someone who received support, specialist intervention, advocacy, recovery opportunities and hope for a brighter future.

Stories That Inspire Change

One of the most moving moments of the afternoon came through the sharing of a survivor's journey. Guests watched a powerful film telling the story of a woman who experienced abuse and later rebuilt her life through courage, strength and support. The film served as a reminder that recovery is possible and that the right help at the right time can be life-changing.

The room then heard reflections from Chair of Trustees Pauline Geraghty MBE, followed by an inspirational keynote address from Rachel Horman-Brown KC(Hon) , who encouraged attendees to recognise the power of collective action, leadership and advocacy.

The Power of Community

Throughout the afternoon, guests generously supported fundraising activities, including a charity auction featuring a range of donated prizes from local businesses and supporters. Events such as the Ladies Lunch play a vital role in enabling The Wish Centre to continue delivering specialist domestic abuse services across Lancashire.

Every donation, partnership, sponsorship and conversation helps us reach more women, children and families facing crisis.

Thank You

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to:

• Our event sponsors, auction donors and supporters, The Feniscowles and Cherry Tree Singing Group.
• His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Amanda Parker, Rachel Horman-Brown KC (Hon), Lizzie Moorby, Haydock Finance
• Our dedicated staff and volunteers, every guest who attended, donated and championed our mission. Your support helps ensure that women and children affected by domestic abuse know they are not alone.

This Is Just the Beginning

The Ladies Lunch may be over, but the work continues.

Together, we can continue creating safer communities, challenging abuse, supporting survivors and ensuring that every woman has access to the help she needs.

If you would like to support The Wish Centre through fundraising, volunteering, sponsorship or partnership opportunities, we would love to hear from you.

Because when women come together, change happens.

Get Involved

To discuss corporate partnerships, sponsorship opportunities, fundraising initiatives or volunteering opportunities, please contact:

Nichola Strahan
Partnerships & Engagement Manage