enerous supporters raised more than £250,000 for charity at a glittering fundraising extravaganza.
People from across the North West turned out in force to attend the prestigious Red Sea Pedestrians’ 11th annual Spring Ball, this year in aid of Derian House Children’s Hospice.
Derian House offers respite and end-of-life care to more than 350 families across the North West, helping children and young people, whose lives are too short, make precious memories in an environment of fun, respect and high quality care.
A packed and exciting evening took place with entertainment provided by TLC as well as an auction, containing a whole host of prizes including incredible donations made by local artist Jai Sol, a new Fiat 500 plus three elephants painted by local artists especially for the ball.
Highlights of the night included the “stand for a grand” section of the auction, in which generous donors stood up to pledge an amazing total of £61,000 for “Tallulah”, a 6ft elephant sculpture decorated by the children at Derian House. Tallulah will now be donated back to Derian where she will take pride of place in the hospice building.
The black-tie event hoped to raise enough money to pay for a holiday lodge that the charity would use to give its families a free week’s holiday at Ribby Hall Holiday Village in Wrea Green. The grand total, coming in at more than twice its target, will now also go towards a full cutting-edge refurbishment of the hospice building.
“I’m overwhelmed by the generosity shown by the attendees once again,” said Antony Wagman, chair of trustees at Red Sea Pedestrians.
“Each year, we look to support a different charity at our ball, when it was discussed about Derian House, I honestly couldn’t think of a more worthy cause.
“The charity serves children and young people of the North West providing vital care whilst creating unforgettable memories. It’s a tremendous charity and one I am proud we could assist.”
Red Sea Pedestrians is a Manchester-based charity which raises valuable funds for organisations throughout the region. This year is its 11th anniversary and already, the charity has donated a further £100,000 towards other charities from across the North West.
Trustees of Red Sea Pedestrians like to choose charities who they know will be close to everybody’s heart and whose need for support is the greatest.
David Robinson, Chief Executive of Derian House Children’s Hospice, said: “We are truly overwhelmed with the amount raised at the event. The night itself was a huge success, with everyone dancing and having a fabulous time.
“On behalf of our children, young people and their families, I’d like to say a huge thank you to the Red Sea Pedestrians who worked tirelessly to pull off this magnificent event, and of course to every single person who helped raise this wonderful amount. Thank you to you all, you have made a real difference.”
