The season of goodwill is fast approaching and Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice is inviting Gloucestershire businesses and residents to celebrate the festive season at its traditional Winter Ball — all while supporting local families that rely on the charity's expert palliative care and bereavement support.
Returning to the gorgeous Pittville Pump Room in Cheltenham on Friday 2 December 2022, the Winter Ball is set to be an evening of glamour and entertainment, hosted by committed Sue Ryder supporter, Neil Townend.
Guests will get to raise a toast at the sparkling drinks reception, tuck into a gourmet three course meal and dance the night away to live music from The Chip Shop Boys.
But first and foremost, the event is an opportunity to give back to Gloucestershire's only in-patient palliative care unit this Christmas, by raising vital funds for Sue Ryder to continue caring for patients at the end of their lives and providing much-needed help and bereavement support to their families.
Mari Pittman, who is a Sue Ryder nurse and ward manager at Leckhampton Court Hospice's in-patient unit, said: 'At the end of someone’s life, our doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, family support team and physiotherapists can make all the difference. It is the specialist care we provide together as a team which helps make sure people’s lives are filled with friendships, family and favourite pastimes right until the end.
'But as a charity, we rely on the generosity of local companies and communities to make sure our care can continue. On average, only 30 per cent of palliative care provision in the UK is funded by the government, so it is thanks to our fantastic supporters and events like this which make is possible for us to provide the Sue Ryder care that we are so well known for.'
As well as raising money for Sue Ryder through tickets sales, the event fundraises through its grand raffle and exclusive auctions — and this year, there's the chance to win 1966 World Cup memorabilia, signed by the one and only Sir Geoff Hurst, when it goes under TV auctioneer Philip Allwood's hammer.
Plus, guests could bag themselves a diamond worth £1,000 when they buy a glass of champagne, as part of the Diamond Champagne raffle, supported by RJ Spicer Goldsmith.
A huge fundraiser for the charity, the Winter Ball has raised an incredible £120,000 over the past five years, despite a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Matt Reay, community fundraising manager for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, hopes that local businesses will support this year's event to boost this total even more.
He said: 'The past couple of years have been challenging for our patients but also their loved ones. By attending our Winter Ball, you will be helping people get the vital support they need at what is a really difficult time.
'The event will also provide you with the exceptional opportunity to entertain colleagues or clients or celebrate the festive season in style with family and friends whilst helping to give something back.'
Individual tickets for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice's Winter ball cost £90, with tables of 10 available for £850.
For more information, call Sue Ryder on (01242) 395450 or email leckhampton.events@sueryder.org.
