IT WAS a case of black tie and tissues when Swindon SANDS (Stillbirth and NeoNatal Death Society) held its third annual awareness and fundraising ball last month.

The ball on October 13 had the theme ‘Colours of Autumn and sold out all of its tickets within 24 hours.

It aimed to raise awareness of the services and support the group offers and raise funds for the coming year. Arrival photos were taken by Your Digital Memories, who provided their services free of charge and contributed 15 per cent of their sales to the evening’s total.

The evening also included an auction that contained 10 star items and these alone raised £2,200 on the night.

Kenny Davey, of Capture CCTV Solutions, bid £300 for the weekend hire of a Jaguar XF, supplied by Grange Jaguar, and announced that SANDS could keep the money but could also auction the item again.

The winner on the second running of the item was Dave Barton of Northcott Construction, who bid £250.

The total raised was £5,902 and the organisers thanked everyone who helped ensure it was a success.

The funds will go toward the cost of providing memory boxes and support to individuals who have lost a child.

Following the completion of the SANDS memorial garden at Kingsdown Crematorium, Swindon SANDS is looking to convert two rooms at GWH into a bereavement suite. The project is estimated to cost in the region of £20,000.