More than 250 people from local and national businesses came together with NHS staff for Leicester Hospitals Charity’s NHS Heroes Ball last night (Thursday 13 October) to raise over £39,000 to help purchase new neonatal ventilators and other equipment to save countless lives.
The event, hosted by Professor Turi King of the University of Leicester was held at Athena Leicester and paid tribute to the heroic NHS staff who have worked tirelessly to care for patients across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Money was raised through several fundraising activities including live and silent auctions with prizes ranging from a tour of Leicester City Football Club with a signed player shirt to holidays aboard. The money raised on the night will fund brand-new state-of-the-art ventilators.
Dr Jo Behrsin, Consultant Neonatologist, said: “We’re overwhelmed with the generous donation. The Leicester neonatal services have around 1,600 admissions a year and care for some of the smallest and sickest babies. The new equipment will help to save the lives of many babies that struggling to breathe on their own. “A big thank you to everyone who has donated and made the night possible.”
Guests enjoyed live entertainment from Kyle Thomlinson, Adrian Garratt and Mellow Baku while tucking into an exotic three-course Indian meal.
Leicester Hospitals Charity ran the event with Pukaar Group and was supported by Chaiiwala and the University of Leicester, who were headline sponsors. Premier sponsors on the night included local and national companies Kings Real Estate, NTT Data and Anand International.
Vic Sethi from Anand International who was there on the night said: “The staff at Leicester’s Hospitals are true heroes. We all saw how great the NHS was during the Covid-19 pandemic. When the country was in lockdown, the NHS staff worked day and night saving lives. They work so hard and take so much from people.
“I’m so proud of the NHS. The Anand and Sethi family are pleased to sponsor the NHS Heroes Ball this year and continue to support Leicester Hospitals Charity.”
Lisa Davies, Director of Leicester Hospitals Charity, said: “The support from so many businesses and giving so generously was incredibly heart-warming and we are so pleased with all the gifts they have provided. This will go towards helping to care for and save so many babies.”
