Local Family Host Ball To Raise Money For The Sick Children’s Trust

A family who have already gone above and beyond to raise £127,000 for The Sick Children’s Trust, are holding another special event as thanks for supporting them when their son was critically ill in hospital.

Marcus and Laura Leverton, from Chesterfield, found themselves in every parent’s worst nightmare when their 18 month baby son, Harry, was rushed to Sheffield Children’s Hospital after becoming seriously ill. While Harry underwent lifesaving treatment, the couple were given free ‘Home from Home’ accommodation at the charity’s Treetop House, just a lift ride away from their son’s bedside.

Seven years on, the family have never forgotten the support they received and have made it their mission to raise much-needed funds for the charity. Dad Marcus, 41, Director at Leverton UK, is now organising the family’s eighth fundraising ball on Saturday 20 May. He says:

“I can’t put a value on the support Treetop House gave my family. When you are in that situation where someone you love is critically ill, you cannot understand the emotional stress and sheer tiredness that comes with it.

“Harry was only 18 months old when he had to go into hospital with three viral infections. These shut his airways down and he suffered a bowel perforation which caused blood poisoning. Harry had to undergo surgery and was in intensive care and on a life-support machine.

“We would spend many hours at the hospital like many other mothers and fathers in similar situations, and The Sick Children’s Trust helped ease some of the stresses and worries of having a sick child in hospital. Its work is vital.”

The charity, which believes keeping families together significantly improves the recovery of sick children, runs ten ‘Homes from Home’ across the country. Two of its ‘Homes from Home’ support families with children undergoing lifesaving treatment at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

Nine year old Harry, a pupil at Holymoorside Primary School and older brother to Sam, has also begun helping his parents raise money for the charity that kept his parents by his side. He says:

“I can’t remember being in hospital because I was only a baby, but if I had to be in hospital again now I would want to have my mum and dad with me all the time I was there.”

Although the ‘Home from Home’ accommodation is provided free to families with seriously ill children, it costs The Sick Children’s Trust £30 to support a family for one night. Treetop and Magnolia House Manager, Ann Wyatt, says:

“We have attended the Leverton Ball every year and it’s amazing to see how much support The Sick Children’s Trust receives – we are always so overwhelmed. For Marcus to have already raised over £127,000 is fantastic as they have made a significant difference to thousands of families. With this money we have been able to keep parents and loved ones close to their child’s hospital bedside.

“Harry is a family ambassador for the The Sick Children’s Trust and he and his family always do us so proud! We can’t wait to see what the Leverton Ball has in store for us this year, but we know it will be nothing less than fantastic. If you’d like to join us in supporting Marcus and Laura, please do get in touch with Marcus to find out more.”

The Leverton Ball will be held in The Barcelona Suite at the Casa Hotel on Saturday 20 May. Tickets are £95 with tables seating ten. Guests can expect an evening of live music from Frankie’s Guys and can take part in a raffle, diamond raffle, and place their bid in the live auction.

Tickets can be purchased from Marcus on 07811 182411 or m.leverton@levertonuk.com.