Trentham Foods Company Director Jacob Durkin has confirmed that a charity ball organised in memory of his mum, Diane Austin, will be returning for a second year.
Last year Jacob, along with a group of his mum’s friends, helped to organise a ball that raised over £9,000 for the Dougie Mac after they supported Diane through her cancer diagnosis.
This year the ball, taking place at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Festival Park on Friday, 17 May, will raise funds for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), a cause that holds special significance due to Diane’s involvement in promoting CPR education in high schools across Stoke-on-Trent.
Jacob said: “Mum was instrumental in developing and delivering CPR sessions in schools across Stoke-on-Trent, and worked with the team at Good Morning Britain to help distribute mannequins to year 7 pupils. We have linked this year’s fundraiser to CRY as her main line of work was working with children and young people.
“Last year the money was raised for Dougie Mac due to the support they gave my mum after her cancer diagnosis and for others they support in cancer as this is what she passed from. Each year the friends want to do this charity ball and always support local charities that would be linked to her.”
Tickets for this year’s event, charged at £50, include a three-course dinner, welcome drink on arrival, live entertainment and a disco.
Jacob added: “My mum was the kindest person I ever knew. She spent her life dedicated to her profession working in the NHS as a school nurse and at the blood centre along with supporting her family and anyone she met.
“She was instrumental in setting up various projects such as the CPR training in local schools, fitter family campaigns encouraging healthier living in children and the early phases of the blood centre in Etruria.
“We want to raise money to reflect the type of person she was, always supporting those around her whilst enjoying a good dance and drink like she did.”
Businesses are also encouraged to contribute prizes for the event’s raffle. While specific prizes are still being finalised, last year’s donations included items such as signed football shirts and tickets, artwork, experiences like gin-making, and even a week-long break in Cornwall.
The dress code is black tie/evening dress. Tables are available to accommodate groups of either 10 or 12 people. Smaller groups will be combined for seating arrangements.
Tickets are available for purchase by contacting Karen on 07725985990 or by emailing Jacob on [email protected]
