Dinner and dance raises funds for disabled

Intersurgical donating a cheque for the Holiday for the Disabled

Fundraisers danced the night away recently at a ball organised by St John Ambulance to raise a massive £2,500 for their annual Holiday for the Disabled.

Champagne reception

The event which included a champagne drinks reception, a three course meal and a disco was held at Maidenhead Golf Club and was attended by around 60 people.

Money was generated through ticket sales, a raffle and a silent auction which saw bids for lots such as an iPod, champagne, spa vouchers and a Reading FC match day programme signed by the team. A cheque for £310 was also presented on the evening by Tim Bradbury, one of the founders of the disabled holiday on behalf of Intersurgical in Wokingham for whom he works.

The holiday for the disabled first took place in 1982 when it was organised as a one off event, however it proved so successful, it has been run every year since then. The holiday provides disabled young people with opportunities to take part in a range of activities which they would not normally have access to, such as go-karting, bowling and visiting theme parks while allowing those who care for them all year round to have a much deserved week off. The holiday is an example of one of the care projects St John Ambulance volunteers get involved with alongside their first aid activities.

Commenting on the success of the ball, Graham Hattey, Chairman of the Holiday committee said, ‘Everyone who attended had a really great time and we raised a good sum of money which will make so much difference to the lives of the disabled people who we take on the holiday. Thank you to everyone who came to the ball and also to those who have supported us in other ways.’

St John Ambulance would like to thank the Maidenhead Lion’s Club for funding the venue for the ball and also Iver and Langley Rotary Club for providing the welcome drinks.

The charity is continually seeking donations towards the Holiday for the Disabled which costs around £12,000 per year to run and also require people to go along as carers.

For more information on the Holiday for the Disabled please email us