FORMER Westlife star Brian McFadden has helped businesses from across the county raise £40,000 for the Worcestershire Breast Unit Campaign.

The Irish singer was persuaded to support a charity ball by the event’s co-organisers, award-winning Worcester jeweller Anja Potze and Luke Wellings, from Kidderminster firm Trueline Expanded Products.

The event at the Chateau Impney Hotel, Droitwich, saw more than 200 people contribute towards the £1.8 million campaign for a new, dedicated breast unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Brian, who had chart-topping hits with Westlife such as Flying Without Wings and a solo career including the number one single Real to Me, performed an acoustic set for the delighted fund-raisers.

Ms Potze, who is a patron of the charity, said: “I have been a supporter of the Breast Unit Campaign for several years and I’m delighted that we have been able to give it such an enormous boost.

“We are also so grateful to Brian for coming to Worcestershire and sprinkling some extra stardust on the event.

“I must say a huge thank you to everyone who attended and raised an amazing amount for such an important cause.

“The campaign has touched many hearts after being set up in 2007 to push for a specialist breast service based at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.”