A COVENTRY and Warwickshire neonatal charity is inviting people to ‘dress to impress’ at its upcoming black tie themed fundraising ball.
Helping to fund research into the cause of premature babies, the Grace Research Fund is inviting charitable partygoers to its Ball on Friday (April 22).
Taking place at Ansty Hall Hotel, the special event will provide an opportunity for families and friends of babies born prematurely to catch up with neonatal staff that supported them during what would’ve been a difficult time.
Activities over the course of the evening include a three course dinner, followed by a DJ and disco as well as a raffle to encourage guests to continue celebrating and donating generously to the cause.
A special prize for two places in the hospitality suite at England’s One Day International match against Pakistan in August at Trent Bridge will also be up for grabs during the evening during a silent auction.
Chandru Moorthy is organising the ball after his son, Ashwin, received expert care on the neonatal unit.
He said: “My family and I are very involved with the charity as the cause is close to our hearts.
“Ashwin was born 15 weeks premature in 2011 and had just a ten per cent chance of surviving.
“But thanks to the support of Grace Research Fund and hospital staff, he was able to make a full recovery – leaving hospital two and a half months later both healthy and happy.
“My wife and I are so grateful for the help we received as without their help our son wouldn’t be here today.
“We are keen to support Grace Research Fund in any way we can – and the ball is a great way of giving back.”
The charity has organised a number of fundraising socials in the past, with the most recent ball raising several thousand pounds.
Jade Matthews, neonatal sister at University Hospital who is involved with the Grace Research Fund, said the team is hoping to raise another significant sum this year.
She added: “The ball will be one of our major fundraising initiatives of the year and we’re really looking forward to it.
“We’re hoping to have an attendance of around 25 doctors and nurses – in addition to many families and friends involved in the Grace Research Fund.
“Events such as these are one of the best parts of the job as staff catch up with families and see the progress babies have made.
Dr Andrew Coe, consultant paediatrician at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, said: “Every pound raised at the ball will go towards enhancing the best methods for neonatal care for children and their families in Coventry and Warwickshire.”
For tickets, call 02476 612222 or email [email protected]
