Premiership managers put their rivalries to one side in aid of referee Mark Halsey, who hosted a sportman's dinner to raise money for The Christie, one of Europe's leading cancer centres, where he was treated.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, Bolton Wanderers boss Owen Coyle, Everton boss David Moyes and Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce were special guests at the event which was compered by Sky Sports presenters John Gwynne and Geoff Shreeves.

The managers were among countless sporting greats who had gathered at Lancashire County Cricket Club for the dinner and auction - which included fantastic prizes donated by the footballing fraternity - which is set to raise thousands of pounds for the Christie charity. Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill also attended and video messages were sent to Mark from fellow referees and former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.

The Premiership referee, who lives in Bolton, was diagnosed with Lymphoma in August 2009, just days before refereeing the premiership clash between Arsenal and Everton. Mark, whose wife Michelle is also battling leukemia, underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy at The Christie under the care of his consultant Professor Tim Illidge.

Mark was told he was in remission earlier this year and in March passed a gruelling fitness test. In April he returned to referee the League Two game between Rotherham United and Port Vale and Mark is now concentrating on getting back to refereeing in the Premier League.

Mark said: "When I blew the final whistle that day back in August 2009 I thought I would never referee again, or even be here. But it is thanks to Tim and everyone at The Christie that I am, it is a truly wonderful place."

Prof Illidge said; "Mark's return to the pitch is a beacon of hope for all cancer patients, that you can beat cancer and return to the day job. That's what we are all about at The Christie.

"The money raised from the dinner will go towards funding pioneering cancer treatment known as radioimmunotherapy or 'Magic Bullet' - a highly effective method which targets the cancer cells without affecting the body's healthy cells."

Speaking of Mark's aim to return to premiership refereeing, Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce, said; "I hope he comes back with a bang."

Mark and Michelle Halsey would like to thank everyone who attended and gave their support so generously to the evening, especially the special guests and Lancashire County Cricket Club.

The Christie charity funds groundbreaking research into cancer, new building developments, state of the art medical equipment and innovative services for patients undergoing treatment for all types of cancer. 

Event photo gallery

• Mark Halsey Sportman's Dinner -May 2010

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