CHARITY BALL - WEAR YOUR WEDDING DRESS AGAIN!
07/04/2007
Brides were blowing the cobwebs off their wedding dresses for a ball held at Sandown Park Racecourse on the 14th of April, in memory of Gillian and Grace Redman, to raise funds for the charity 'Born Too Soon' Neonatal Unit, premature and sick babies at Kingston Hospital' - around 7% of all babies born in the UK are born before 37 complete weeks of pregnancy.
Three years ago Gillian lost her life to meningitis, holding a ball was something she was eager to do, following the premature birth of her son Tom born at 30 weeks. Alice Austin, Gillian's mother fulfilled her daughters wish by holding a Wedding Ball to celebrate Gillian's life and in doing so raised over £14,000 Alice said "the ball was fantastic, I had no idea how many brides would be there along with their grooms - I was astounded."
The ball attracted over 200 guests who enjoyed a sumptuous 3 course meal, auction and raffle. Lucky brides and grooms won holidays in Spain, a day at Sandown Park Races, Heineken Rugby and championship football tickets, dinner for two at the Ivy and the Oxo restaurants both with the added bonus of being chauffeured in an Aston Martin DB6. Verint Systems donated £2,000 travel expenses, BA gave flights for two to the USA/Middle East, a Liverpool shirt signed by Steve Gerrard and two Chelsea shirts one personalised by John Terry the other by the Frank Lampard and Chelsea football squad. Fun and entertainment was outstanding with competitions and prizes for the oldest, youngest and most unique wedding dresses. Following the balls great success Alice is planning another charity fundraising event at Sandown Park in the near future.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT THE EVENTS DEPARTMENT
Telephone 01372 464348 Email: sandown.events@jockeyclubracecourses.com
