Ball will raise charity cash (From Swindon Advertiser)

Ball will raise charity cash

6:40pm Monday 13th February 2012 in News

GOOD causes across Swindon stand to benefit from another outpouring of generosity thanks to this year’s Charity Ball.

Tickets are already being snapped up for this year’s event, a Las Vegas-themed extravaganza featuring hit West End show The Ratpack and glitzy dance troupe Sophistication.

Sue Harding, secretary to the event’s committee, said the chosen beneficiaries are Swindon Women’s Refuge, Therapeutic Work in Gardening in Swindon (TWIGS), North Wilts Group of the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Swindon Therapy Centre for Multiple Sclerosis.

Jackie Pennington, acting manager at the women’s refuge, said: “We are in desperate need of a new van as our current one has been going for 20 years. It’s been an excellent workhorse but it is now on its last wheels and needs to be replaced.

“We need the van to take women to their new homes with all their belongings and to collect furniture. Because community care grants are being phased out over the next few years it is getting harder to furnish new properties.”

TWIGS aims to give people with mental health issues the chance to build confidence and self-esteem and learn new skills. Funds are needed for equipment at the Olive Tree Cafe in Cheney Manor, which helps people recovering from mental health issues gain employment.

Funds are also needed at the North Wilts Group of the Motor Neurone Disease Association for a specialised motorised wheelchair.

Treasurer Michael Armstrong said: “The purchase will make a significant difference to the lives of people with motor neurone disease living in the Swindon area, their families and friends.”

The Swindon Therapy Centre for Multiple Sclerosis was founded in 1981 as a self-help group and has grown into an established charity.”

The group provides various therapies. In 2008 the centre started treating strokes, Parkinson’s disease, as well as children with cerebral palsy, autism and brain injuries.

The charity needs funds for a piece of equipment called VibroGym, which can improve blood circulation, mobility, bone density and quality of life.

The ball, which is organised by the Rotary Club of Swindon, will take place at the Marriott Hotel on May 19.

The Sophistication dancers will perform alongside the Rat Pack, a tribute act to Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jnr and Dean Martin.

Yvonne Dearman, who started the dance troupe, said: “Our dancers are glamourous, highly trained and beautiful.

“The Rat Pack were surrounded by beautiful women in stunning costumes, so this will make the evening perfect.”

Last year’s Moulin Rouge-themed event raised £25,000. For tickets, call 01793 610222 or email sharding@dpds.co.uk