A Harrogate charity has raised £75,000 to fund life-saving medical equipment for newborn infants.
Friends of Alfie Martin, which was established in 2002, held its £1Million Ball at the DoubleTree by Hilton Majestic Hotel in Harrogate this month as part of its bid to reach its £1 million fundraising goal.
The charity raises funds to purchase medical equipment for the Leeds Centre for Newborn Care, which looks after around 1,600 seriously ill babies every year.
Around 300 guests attended the event, which included a tombola, silent auction and bingo.
One winner even went home with a diamond necklace.
Fiona Martin, founder of Friends of Alfie Martin, said:
“What an incredible evening with an electric atmosphere for Alfie’s charity. The love and support for Alfie’s charity is overwhelming and so was the amount raised.
“We are so proud and grateful to our amazing supporters and with their support we can continue to make a huge difference to the care of critically sick babies across the Yorkshire region.”
Ms Martin, who lives and works near Harrogate, set up the charity with her husband after losing their son, Alfie.
He was born full-term but needed urgent transportation to Leeds General Infirmary to receive critical care.
After a gruelling wait due to a lack of transportation, Alfie was moved to the Regional Teaching Hospital, where he eventually died.
Friends of Alfie Martin is now the biggest single contributor to the Leeds Centre for Newborn Care.
Most recently, it has provided the unit with heart-monitoring equipment, specialist incubators and mechanical breathing support ventilators.
Committee member Michele Bradley said:
“The list of future requirements for the centre is daunting, but the dedicated committee of volunteers is determined to continue to ensure that other parents do not have to suffer the tragic loss of a child.”
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Charity boxer pledges to tattoo logo of highest donating business on her leg
A Ripon woman who is fighting in a charity boxing match has promised to tattoo on her leg the logo of the business that donates the most money.
Charlotte Haynes-Vickery will take part in her first fight to raise money for Active Against Cancer in November.
The Harrogate organisation provides free support and care to those living with cancer in the area – including Ms Haynes-Vickery’s close friend, Anthony.
She told the Stray Ferret the charity has “been a key part in keeping Anthony alive” following his intense chemotherapy treatment.
Ms Haynes-Vickery will undergo eight weeks of training to prepare for the match – working out every Tuesday and Thursday alongside 30 other amateur boxers.
She said:
“I chose boxing over a more traditional fundraiser because Anthony has been fighting a battle for the past 12 months, so I want to fight for him.”
The three-round fight is organised by Ultra White Collar Boxing – a charity boxing company that invites beginners to take part in fundraiser fights.
Ms Haynes-Vickery hopes to raise £1,500 for Active Against Cancer and will tattoo the highest commercial pledger’s logo on her right thigh.
“When I told Anthony about it I don’t think he was even surprised – he watched me race a camel at Beverley Racecourse so he’s used to me doing silly things!
“The tattoo will sit amongst some others I’ve got there, anyway.”
She added she is currently very excited for the match, but expects the nerves to grow nearer the time.
The event will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa on Sunday, November 26, at 2.30pm.
Tickets are on sale now.
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