A charity ball has raised more than £30,000 for neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and family support. The fifth annual World Prematurity Day Charity Ball, hosted by Nicola Orrell, from Bury, raised £30,192.70 at Last Drop Village Hotel and Spa Bolton on Saturday, November 9.
This brings the event's five-year total to more than £89,000. The funds will continue to support NICUs and family-focused charities, including Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, Bolton and Oldham NICUs, and Sands. The annual World Prematurity Day Charity Ball is hosted by Nicola Orrell from Bury (Image: Supplied) The charity ball was inspired by Ms Orrell's personal experience when her twin grandchildren, Ava and Archie, were born at just 25 weeks, weighing 1lb 9oz and 1lb 12oz.
Their journey through 126 days in the NICU motivated Ms Orrell to support other families facing similar struggles. Each year, the ball coincides with World Prematurity Day on November 17, rallying community support around the cause. Prematurity remains a 'pressing concern' in the North West, where preterm births climbed to 8.
5 per cent in 2022, above the national average of 7.9 per cent. Ava and Archie, were born at just 25 weeks, weighing 1lb 9oz and 1lb 12oz (Image: Supplied) That is nearly one in 12 babies arriving too soon, showing a need for specialised neonatal support in the region.
The funds raised at the ball have been used in a variety of ways. They have sponsored a family room at Ronald McDonald House near Manch.