Three charities: The Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, the Sheffield Family Holiday Fund and the Lord’s Taverners are set to benefit from a share of over £60k raised at the hugely successful James’ Sunshine Ball, held at Cutlers’ Hall in Sheffield, recently.
Three hundred guests attended the event, including legendary cricketer Mike Gatting MBE and Commonwealth-medal winning diver Leon Taylor.
Entertainment was provided by International Opera Singer Sean Ruane, who opened the event with a rendition of Nessun Dorma, amongst other classics. Musical entertainment was also provided by the Singing Waiters and the Take That Experience band. Compère for the evening was Alan Wright, a familiar voice from BBC Radio and formerly Chief Executive of Durham County cricket club.
The fundraising included a live auction with some incredible prizes, including a private lunch for two people with Prime Minister Boris Johnson, lunch with the Duke and Duchess at Chatsworth Country Fair, a behind the scenes studio tour and chance to appear on the Talk Sport radio show with former cricket legend Darren Gough plus a Children’s Hospital prime position Snowflake.
Guests also had the chance to bid to become a Racehorse owner for the day at York Races, to have a hospitality day at the Investec Derby for four people and a net session for 10 children with England cricket Star Joe Denly; as well as the chance for two people to enjoy a private tour of Lord’s cricket ground and dinner with Mike Gatting MBE.
Matthew Beddall, one of the guests who ran the live auction, said: “This was a truly unforgettable night and it was wonderful to bring people together to raise money for these incredible charities. On behalf of the charities, I would like to thank everyone who sponsored or donated prizes to this event and of course to those who attended and bid so generously.”
Chief Fun Officer and Corporate Partnerships Manager at The Children’s Hospital Charity Tchad Western, said: “It was a wonderful event and we are very grateful to be one of the chosen charities to benefit from the Sunshine Ball. We have some major fundraising projects underway at the Children’s Hospital Charity at the moment and the money so very kindly pledged to us will make a huge difference to the life of our children and their families.”
This year’s Sunshine Ball continued the admirable charity work of James Bedingfield, who sadly passed away in 2018. James organised Sunshine Balls in 2013 and 2015 as part of the Investec Ashes Cycle challenge, raising over £800,000 for various charities through adventurous cycle challenges and organising amazing charitable balls.
