Leicester Hospitals Charity is currently in the process of planning its second NHS Heroes Ball, where it is hoping to raise enough funds to buy two ventilators for its neonatal unit.
The ball, which is is described as the “flagship event” of the hospital’s fundraising calendar, is being held on Thursday, October 13 at Leicester’s Athena events venue.
At last year’s event, £39,000 was raised, which is enough to buy one new ventilator for the hospital’s neonatal unit. However, there are a total of 25 which need to be updated, explained Lisa Davies, Director of Leicester Hospital’s Charity.
“This year we are doubling our ambitions, and hoping to raise twice the amount we did last year, which will mean we are able to get two ventilators,” she told the Leicester Times. “Although it’s not an emergency, they are all coming towards the end of their lives and are in need of upgrading so that we are able to help babies who are being born earlier – as early as 22 weeks,” she added.
“The event is about celebrating the amazing work of staff at the hospital, and also raising funds to help our youngest patients.”
At the event, the inspiring stories of some of the babies who have been helped as a result of the funds raised from last year will be shared.
Although it is currently in the planning stages, there will be live entertainment, plus both a live and silent auction on the night.
The event, which is being held in association with Pukaar Group, will be hosted by Professor Turi King, of the University of Leicester who led the genetic analysis in the King Richard III case. She also carried out work in media, including the BBC series DNA Family Secrets.
“The event should be an exciting and uplifting evening. It’s about the community coming together to give back to the hospital and we hope people will get on board and support us,” added Ms Davies.
“It’s an opportunity for people to dress up, win some great prizes have a good night out and say thank you to the NHS.”
Tickets for the event are currently being sold. A table of ten is £1,500.
To find out more, call Leicester Hospitals Charity on: 0116 258 8709, or email: LHCharity@uhl-tr.nhs.uk
Alternatively, visit: https://www.leicesterhospitalscharity.org.uk/
