Belton Woods ball boosts two charities

A glitzy black tie ball raised more than £4,000, which will be split between two disabled children’s charities.

Grantham Disabled Children Society (GDCS) and Rutland Sailability joined together to hold the charity fund-raising ball at Belton Woods Hotel, last month.

Gravity FM compare Suzie Sparkles welcomed everyone to the event and passed the floor over to GDCS trustee Darryl Blair and Marie Pears, from Rutland Sailability who both gave an emotional speech as to what each group provide for local families who have children with additional needs.

More than 100 people attended the anniversary ball on April 28 , which featured a performance from Grantham female vocalist Nicky Downs and Complete Madness Britain’s number one Madness Tribute Act.

Guests also enjoyed a three-course meal and a disco.

Businesses including Mason Wealth, JMP Solicitors, Viking Signs, Lincolnshire Meats and Affinity Flying Services Ltd also attended to show their support.

The trustees of GDCS Micky Stokes, Alison Telfer and Darryl are hoping to raise enough funds to enable GDCS to apply for Charity Status and become a registered charity. Rutland Sailability will use the funds to continue to support sailing to be accessible for all needs.

Darryl said: "It was a great success and we managed to raise £4100."

Darryl and Marie are now thinking of planning their next charity ball next year.

If you would like more information about either groups, please e mail GDCS Trustees on granthamdisabledchildrensociety@hotmail.com or contact Rutland Sailability on www.rutlandsailability.org.uk

The parent-led organisation launched in 2013 to give families with disabled children a place to get together and share experiences and information, while also providing fun events and activities. They now have 35 families who meet regularly.