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Press release from Francis House Children's Hospice

13th July 2026

  Sale eateries to host ‘Café Bridge' in support of Francis House Children's Hospice.

Bridge enthusiasts are being invited to take part in a special charity event in Sale, Greater Manchester later this year. The town will host a “Café Bridge” competition, giving players the chance to enjoy the game in a series of local venues while raising money for a worthy cause.

Four venues around Stanley Square, starting and ending at Canteena Bar and Grill, will play host to the contest on Wednesday September 9, in aid of Francis House Children's Hospice.

Players will be divided into groups to play short rounds of duplicate bridge in each of the venues throughout the day - The Bubble Room, Canteena Bar and Grill, Jenny's Cafe, and Wood Fire Smoke. Participants can enjoy refreshments at each venue before moving onto the next location after each round. Lunch is provided at a venue of their choice.

Bridge players from across the country have joined forces to help organise the inaugural event in Greater Manchester. They include Dave Harper from Cambridge who has attended more that 90 Café Bridge events and plays online bridge at Larkhill Bridge Club in Timperley. Dave has enlisted the help of Diana Calvert, who regularly travels the country to play in tournaments, and Susan Triggs, a qualified bridge teacher and committee member of Manchester Bridge Club.

Dave said: “Café Bridge is suitable for experienced and improving players alike. We want people to have a fun day, meet new people and enjoy playing bridge. We hope to raise lots of money for Francis House at this first event. With over fifty bridge clubs in Manchester this event could spawn other similar events in other areas of the county.”

For the last two decades, Café Bridge events have donated approximately £500,000 to a range of charities.

Staff from Francis House will be based at Canteena Bar and Grill, selling raffle tickets and raising awareness of the hospice that supports children and young people with life-shortening conditions and their families.

Laura Birch, fundraising officer of Francis House said: “We are thrilled to have been selected as the chosen charity for this event. The Café Bridge event has donated vital funds to several charities since its inception and to bring this event to Sale in aid of our children's hospice gives us a much needed boost when hospices need the support of their local community more than ever.”

The event at Stanley Square runs from 11am until 4pm and entry fee is £30-£40 including lunch option and refreshments. A contribution from each entry will go towards raising funds for Francis House.

Booking in advance essential and expressions of interest should be sent to michael@cafebridge.org

To find out more about Café Bridge visit https://www.brianbridge.net/cafe/

Francis House Children's Hospice supports more than 435 families from across Greater Manchester. The hospice provides holistic care in a home from home environment to children and young adults who have a life-shortening or life-threatening condition.

Support is offered to the whole family and includes physical, emotional and psychological care from a dedicated multi-disciplinary care team. In addition to respite care the teams at the hospice also provide homecare and community support.

The total running cost of Francis House per year is £5.8million. Out of every £1 spent 94p goes towards charitable work.

ENDS