Snowflake Ball Raises over £12,000 for Sick Children's Trust

A Christmas ball – full of glitz and glam – has raised a staggering £12,239 for a charity that provides 'Home from Home' accommodation to the families of sick children being treated at Newcastle upon Tyne's Royal Victoria Infirmary and Freeman Hospital.

The Sick Children's Trust's North East Fundraising Committee hosted their second 'Snowflake Ball' earlier this month at The Newcastle Gateshead Marriot Hotel, Metrocentre, to raise money for the charity's two 'Homes from Home' - Crawford House at the RVI and Scott House supporting Freeman Hospital's Children's Heart Unit. Each house provides free 'Home from Home' accommodation, as well as emotional and practical support, for families with children being treated at the hospitals.

The evening saw over 100 guests attend the glittering event, showing their support for the charity which relies entirely on voluntary donations. Alongside entertainment from Scarlet Street Band and Steve Keys DJ, guests heard first-hand the difference the charity makes as Sick Children's Trust Family Ambassador, Kate Perkins, shared her experiences. Jackie Finneran, a committee member, says:

“We had a wonderful evening, celebrating the hard work that The Sick Children's Trust does. The event is in its second year and we are overwhelmed by everyone's generosity which has raised thousands to support families with critically ill children in hospital in Newcastle.

“It costs the charity £28 per night to support a family in Crawford House or Scott House, so this will make a huge difference sponsoring two rooms in each house for a year. We'd like to thank everyone for coming along and everyone who made the evening possible."

Lesley Johnston, from the Marriott Hotel and who is also a committee member, says:

“This has been yet another successful year for the committee and the Marriott was delighted to be asked to host this special Christmas event. We had a fantastic night full of celebrations and we were all deeply moved by Kate's story which shows exactly how vital The Sick Children's Trust's 'Homes from Home' are to families with sick children. I'd like to thank everyone who attended The Snowflake Ball for their brilliant support and generosity.

In the last year, The Sick Children's Trust's 'Homes from Home' in Newcastle upon Tyne have supported over 1000 families who have had seriously ill children in The Royal Victoria Infirmary and Freeman Hospital. The charity gives these families a 'Home from Home' which is just a few minutes' walk from their child's bedside, meaning they can be there for them at a very difficult time.

Caroline O'Doherty, The Sick Children's Trust's Campaigns and Appeals Manager, says: “For many, Christmas is about spending the time with family. Unfortunately, for the families we care for, this Christmas will be a difficult one as they care for their seriously ill child in hospital. But The Sick Children's Trust will be there for them, ensuring they can be there for their sick child when it matters most.

“This year's Snowflake Ball was a huge success, and with everyone's fantastic support we will help families make this Christmas as magical as possible. Thank you so much to the committee and The Marriott Hotel for their continued dedication."

To find out more about The Sick Children's Trust, please visit: www.sickchildrenstrust.org