Airedale Hospital & Community Charity’s ‘The Grand Ball’ was held on November 8 at East Riddlesden Hall, Keighley to raise funds for Airedale General Hospital’s Neonatal Unit.
The idea for the ball came after a need was seen by nursing staff on the unit. Parents will often have a transition stay towards the end of their time on the unit where both child and parent will stay overnight in the ‘family bedroom’. This transition aims to provide a sense of normality and home life especially after a longer stay on the Unit.
Sarah Szpara, Neonatal Unit Manager said: “We saw a real need with the family facilities on the unit. At the moment, it still feels like a hospital room rather than providing a sense of home to the families before they fully transition off the unit.
“For a lot of our families it may be their first time ever experiencing being on this kind of unit or even in hospital for an extended period. We want to ensure that their journey towards home is as comfortable as possible and thanks to the incredible amount raised, we’re closer than ever to this being a reality.”
An incredible £10,206 was raised at The Grand Ball with donations coming from a charity raffle and silent auction on the evening.
The Grand Ball saw support from local businesses including Robertson Construction Yorkshire & East Midlands, Hive Projects, Shelby, Pro Fire Systems, Gallaghers Funeral Directors, Fizz and Fire, Bob Smith photography, four-piece band Whiskey Wood and The VW Wedding Co.
Jodie Hearnshaw, Charity Manager said: “I’d like to express my sincere thanks to our sponsors, suppliers and attendees for making this incredible event happen. Because of you, we’ve been able to raise such a fantastic amount for the Neonatal Unit.
“We’re really pleased that the team will be able to start thinking about bringing a sense of home to the family room. It’s such a vital part of their journey on the unit where they can prepare for home life.”
Jonathan Sizer, Regional Managing Director for headline sponsor Robertson Construction Yorkshire & East Midlands said: “We are honoured to support Airedale Hospital’s Grand Ball and its mission to enhance the neonatal unit’s family facilities. Having worked with the hospital both in ward refurbishments and as a committed charitable supporter, we feel a strong connection to this cause. The funds raised will help create a welcoming, home-like space for families in transition, making a real difference during a vital stage of their journey. We’re proud to contribute to an event that will have such a positive impact on our community.”
If you would like to get involved in Airedale Hospital & Community Charity’s upcoming events please visit www.airedalecharity.org/support-our-fundraising-events/. You can also discuss your fundraising ideas with the charity team by emailing anhsft.charity@nhs.net or calling 01535 294870.
