New Life Ball raises £22k

On Saturday 19^th November, New Life held its last social event of the year, a World Prematurity Ball at The Owners Club, Newbury Racecourse.  The event was attended by 200 guests including regular supporters, fundraisers and some staff from the special baby care unit at The Great Western Hospital, Swindon and The Royal Berks, Reading.

The staggering sum of £22k was raised by donations, sponsorship, an auction and a raffle.  The auction, which included a luxury holiday, a day’s fly fishing, a helicopter ride and a spa day, raised £13.5k alone. Well-known national comedian Aaron James compered the evening and auction whilst keeping everyone entertained.  During their speech, the neonatal nurses from both hospitals described how the charity had helped so many tiny babies who, without access to vital specialist equipment, may not have made it.  The charity has funded a number of key pieces of equipment in 2022 including a criticool machine which ensures premature babies’ brains can be cooled at birth, minimising the risk of complications, as well as a specialist incubator for transporting the sickest babies to specialist hospitals.

Mr Goodall said ‘I have been overwhelmed by the kindness of people.  I am so proud of what we do and am determined to make it to the £2m, particularly now that we are working with a number of high-profile supporters including professional darts player and local lad, Luke Humphries.  Bringing so many friends, family, supporters and sponsors together on an evening such as this, just enforces my determination to keep going. The day I walked out of the hospital without my boys was the saddest day of my life.  From that moment on I vowed I would do all I could to help other families with a premature baby.”

The plans for 2023 are underway with some new events on the fundraising calendar.  The charity is still hoping to bring an Ambassador on board in 2023 to help raise awareness of the charity and the work it does and to help even more hospitals and families.  For enquiries about this, please contact Trevor on trevnewlife@hotmail.com.