Thousands Raised for Children’s Charity
News release
1st October 2013
A charity ball held in honour of baby girl Ally Cadence has raised £3,500 to help other children living with the condition which claimed her life.
The Ally Cadence Trust, based in Walcott in Lincolnshire, hosted the Butterfly Ball at the Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa on Saturday (28th September) to raise money and awareness of Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
It’s an annual event organised by Emma and Karl Humphries who founded the charity in memory of their daughter. She succumbed to the condition at just six months old in 2009.
For Emma and Karl the event held extra special meaning this year as it came just two weeks after what would have been Ally’s fifth birthday.
A picture of butterflies, created by children from the class Ally would have been in at Walcott Primary School, raised £90 in an auction on the night, while one generous guest bid £390 on an iPad mini. Other lots included a case of 20 bottles of wine, a hamper of pampering goodies and signed Simpsons artwork.
Guests also made donations to release a balloon in Ally’s memory. The multi-coloured balloons were let off over the grounds of the Petwood during the ball.
Emma said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have raised such a staggering amount of money this year. We know that every penny makes a big difference to the lives of the children and families we help, whether that’s spent on petrol money for Karl and me to visit and offer support, or toys and specialist equipment.
“I want to say a huge thank-you to everyone involved, no matter how big or small a part you played. The biggest thanks go to my husband and children. Without them I wouldn’t be here today doing what I’m doing to help others. They give me the strength to do this, day in day out, and for that I am eternally thankful.”
The ball featured live acoustic music by James McLean, an auction, a raffle, a four-course meal, drinks and a disco. The auction was hosted by Luke Marsden, who is best known for his appearance on Big Brother and his popular radio show on Rock FM.
SMA is a rare disease that affects approximately one in 6,500 children and often proves fatal at a young age. The average life expectancy of a baby with SMA is just two years.
Because they found it hard to access support during Ally’s illness, Emma and Karl set up the charity in 2009 to support and advise families who have been affected by the disease and to find specialist equipment. They’re hoping that this event will allow the Ally Cadence Trust to aid more people in need of help.
Emma added: “We are getting ever-increasing demand for our services, having helped 18 families this year alone. It’s fantastic to be able to support so many families, and events like the Butterfly Ball will help to replenish our funds.”
If you would like to make a donation to the charity, please visit www.actsma.co.uk or call Emma on 0800 2343762.
Ends
Notes to editors:
About the Ally Cadence Trust for Spinal Muscular Atrophy
• The trust was set up in March 2009 by Karl and Emma Humphries in memory of their daughter Ally Cadence. It became a registered charity in December 2009
• Since launching it has raised more than £50,000 to help people affected by the disease get access to specialist equipment
• Visit www.actsma.co.uk for more information about the charity and www.allycadence.co.uk to read Ally’s story
• Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a genetic disorder that affects nerve cells so that muscles can't be used and become wasted, or atrophied. The nerve cells become damaged, breaking the link between the brain and the muscles. As a result, the muscles can't be used and waste away. This can lead to problems with breathing as well motor activities such as crawling, walking, feeding and head control.
Cerri Delaney
Shooting Star PR
01522 528540
07985 143990
cerri@shootingstar-pr.co.uk
www.shootingstar-pr.co.uk
t: @CerriDelaney
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