A devoted grandma from Bury is hosting a third charity masquerade ball after the premature birth of her twin grandchildren.
Nicola Orrell and her family will be hosting their third charity ball to raise money and highlight the work of doctors and nurses who help poorly and premature babies.
Her aim is to raise awareness of World Prematurity Day and raise money for premature units that need it.
She was inspired to organise the events after a number of complications with the premature birth of her twin grandchildren, Ava and Archie in 2019.
Due to their birth being three months early, they needed 32 blood transfusions, continuous oxygen for 12 months of life, lifesaving operations and around-the-clock care.
After the heat-breaking experience, Nicola realised the premature units needed financial support to help facilitate essential equipment for the hospital and parents, which is how the idea for the ball was born.
Nicola said: “As a testament to the amazing doctors and nurses and their dedication to poorly and premature babies, our Masquerade Charity Ball hopes to build awareness around World Prematurity Day.
“While Ava and Archie were in the Neonatal Unit, I realised the unit needs help with providing essential equipment to help all parents, including those who aren’t as lucky as we are.
“The unit needs more parent rooms allowing parents to live in the hospital to be near to their babies. Also, cooling cuddle cots. The cots regulate stillborn baby body temperatures to allow grieving parents more time with their babies.”
The 2021 ball raised £11,500 and this year the funds raised will be split between three charities.
Nicola said: “We want to continue our support directly to The Royal Bolton Hospitals NICU together with Ronald McDonald House Charities and this year we want to also donate 33% of monies raised to Bliss.
“Their vision is that every baby born premature or sick in the UK has the best chance of survival and quality of life so feel this is a perfect way to extend further afield our however thankful hearts to the doctors and nurses that care for premature babies.”
The night will consist of extravagant masquerade decor, a three-course meal, drinks on arrival, live music, and entertainment.
Nicola is hoping this year will be bigger and better than ever and wants to reach their target amount of £20,000.
The ball is taking place on November 19, 2022, at the Last Drop Village Hotel, Bolton.
For more information, you can follow the link to the tickets page by clicking here.
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