A BLACK tie gala saw TV star Chris Tarrant help raise thousands for a charity that helps families with bereavement support.
More than 200 people attended the Sue Ryder Thames Valley summer ball, held at Reading’s Hilton Hotel on Saturday, July 2.
Mr Tarrant said in a video message: “I was born in Reading, and I know all about the great work that Sue Ryder do in the Thames Valley area and all over the UK.
“The very special auction pledges may well go to support your loved ones at the time when they need it most.
“Thank you, Sue Ryder, for everything you do.”
The evening included an auction, comedy from Adger Brown, a drinks reception sponsored by Laithwaites, a three-course meal, and live music and dancing from the Vodka Martinis.
Among the attendees was the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, who selected Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice as one of her charities.
More than £40,000 was raised.
Local supporter Sue Webb delivered an emotional speech on the night about the vital support she received from Sue Ryder when her husband, John, who had dementia, was receiving palliative care.
She said: “I never realised dementia was going to be as bad as it was. I thought I could handle a bit of forgetfulness but without Sue Ryder I just don’t know what I would have done, I really don’t.
“It was their kindness but also the change in John while they were here and when they had been here. He would smile and it made him happy to see them.”
She described the team as ‘angels’ that helped in a time of need.
“They made so much difference to me and to my family as I’m sure they have to many of you. And we’re here tonight to make sure Sue Ryder can continue to be there when it matters for many years to come,” she said.
Amal Sharma, senior partner from Headline Sponsor Gravity Personnel, said: “It was a fantastic night. Thanks to everyone’s hard work and generosity we managed to raise £40,000.
“This will truly have a massive impact in ensuring that the local community can have access to Sue Ryder’s palliative and bereavement services which are vital in supporting families grieving from the loss of a loved one.
“Thank you all so much.”
And Sue Ryder’s Head of Fundraising for Thames Valley, Fern Haynes, said: “Our Summer Ball was a fabulous evening from start to finish and we’d like to say a special thank you to Chris Tarrant for his message of support, our Headline Sponsor Gravity Personnel, our Creative Sponsor A.B.Walker and to all of the businesses and individuals who came along and made it such a huge success.
“Every penny raised from the event will go towards helping local people get the vital bereavement support they need at what has and continues to be a really challenging time. The support from the local community for this event has been inspiring and I am truly grateful to everyone who has contributed. I would like to say a special thank you to our Sue Ryder Community Ambassador, Sue Roberts, who went above and beyond to make the event possible.”
For more information about Sue Ryder, visit: sueryder.org
