Mum Raises £6,000 For Three Charities Which Have Helped Son

A Colchester Mum has raised £6,000 after hosting her first charity ball for three charities that have supported her son throughout his life.

Suzan Cain, 49, will split the money between The Sick Children’s Trust, The J’s Hospice and Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) to thank them for the support she and her son Nathan have received over the years.

19 year old Nathan was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus soon after birth, and over the years other conditions have emerged including cerebral palsy, worster-drought syndrome, autism spectrum disorder and scoliosis. Nathan has only one functional kidney and a rare chromosomal genetic condition. Throughout his life, Nathan has been treated at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, and last year his parents were supported by The Sick Children’s Trust which gave his Mum Suzan and Dad Neil free ‘Home from Home’ accommodation so they could stay close to him when he needed corrective surgery for scoliosis. Nathan has also been supported by The J‘s Hospice, based in Essex, for a number of years who have provided him with care, respite and emotional support.

Suzan, who held ‘Nathan’s Extravaganza’ last month, says: “I am completely overwhelmed with everyone’s support and generosity to raise money for these three amazing charities. It was a brilliant night and was so lovely to meet people I hadn’t met before, who all came along to show their support to us, Nathan and the charities.

“The Sick Children’s Trust, The J’s Hospice and ACT have all played a very important part in our lives and we are so grateful for all they have given us. I wanted to thank them by raising money so that they can continue the fantastic work they do. I’d like to thank all the sponsors for ‘Nathan’s Extravaganza’, everyone who donated prizes and to all our guests who came along on the evening.”

‘Nathan’s Extravaganza’ saw over 100 guests attend to learn about Nathan’s courageous journey and the three charities. The Sick Children’s Trust, which runs ten ‘Homes from Home’ supporting families with seriously ill children in hospital, presented Nathan with a video message from his ‘hero’ Chris Tarrant on the night. Community Fundraiser, Clare Hanley-Humphries, says:

“Suzan is an absolute inspiration. She has gone above and beyond to make her event a success and raise awareness of all three charities. Her passion and enthusiasm is paramount to how successful the evening was, and we couldn’t thank her more for raising such a substantial amount of money. It costs the charity £30 to support a family for one night in ‘Home from Home’ accommodation, so with this money Suzan will have a huge impact on many families who need a ‘Home from Home’ when their child is seriously ill in hospital.”

Zoe Butler, Community Fundraiser at The J’s Hospice, says: “The J's loved being a part of ‘Nathan's Extravaganza’, it was a fantastic evening and we all had a great time! We are so grateful to Suzan and Nathan for their support in choosing us as one of their charities. The incredible amount of money raised can go towards an Inspire social group session, which is so important to all our young adults and their families.”

Michelle Gray, Head of Community Fundraising at Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust, says: "’Nathan's Extravaganza’ raised an amazing amount of money for three great causes and we are extremely grateful to Suzan and Nathan for choosing to support the important work being done at Addenbrooke's Hospital, to help fund equipment and research projects for the treatment of scoliosis."

Special thanks goes to the sponsors of ‘Nathan’s Extravaganza’; Beijing Chinese, Colchester Electrical Wholesale, Duval building, Essex Mediation, Grafikamia and D Salmon Cars.

Suzan is now planning her next fundraising event to take place in 2018. If you would like to find out more about Nathan’s journey and to show your support, please visit: http://bit.ly/1Tr2vKl.