A two-night fundraiser at St Pierre Park attended by over 400 islanders has raised £30,000 for the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation.
Sponsored by Catherine Best, Channel Islands Adjusters, BC Partners and Hand Picked Hotels, the black tie evenings were organised by Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation (PPBF) Ambassador Sara Edmonds.
Both dates, 21st and 22nd March, featured Catherine Best jewellery for full house bingo winners, an auction, raffle, cash prizes, a new ‘Spotted Kandy Platinum Lounge’ and live music by the Last of the Light Brigade.
Funds raised will be used to directly support premature babies, critically ill children and their families across the Bailiwick of Guernsey. This comes in the form of practical, financial and emotional support, whether little ones are cared for at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital or transferred to the UK.
To highlight the importance of the charity’s work and the need for continuous funding, speeches were read out by two islanders who stayed in the PPBF’s compassionate housing next to Southampton Hospital. The first was Alexis Morgan whose daughter Zara was in a life-threatening condition when she was born prematurely weighing just 1lb 4.8oz. 8-year-old Lochie Fallaize then took to the stage to share her story after battling Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia from only 18 months old.
Jo Priaulx, PPBF co-founder said: “We have been totally overwhelmed by all the positive feedback and support received for Blingo. Our public night sold out in less than 24 hours, and this is the most we’ve ever raised since we started the fundraiser in 2019. As we’re in our 21st year, it was the perfect opportunity to bring the community together, reflect on all the hard work, let our hair down and have a giggle.
“Thank you to absolutely everyone involved: our sponsors, partners, volunteers, donors and guests. Your generosity will have life-changing impacts that extend far beyond these two fabulous nights.”
