Sanja Ball raises more than £13,000 for Cheethams Children’s Hospital at University Hospital North Midlands

A cheque for £13000 was presented to Cheetham's Children's Hospital at University Hospital North Midlands this week following a successful charity ball.

The prestigious annual black tie event was organised by businessman Pritpal Singh Nagi who set up Sanja – 'everyone's charity' – eight years ago following the loss of his mother to cancer. The charity works tirelessly to raise money for charities in Staffordshire.

More than 200 guests attended a glamorous Hollywood / Bollywood ball at Keele Hall in November 2015.

Guests were treated to a five course meal and an evening of Indian entertainment including a Dhol drummer, Indian dancer and Bhangra singer. Pritpal spoke about his mother and how her end of life care inspired him to raise money for local charities.

Melissa Hubbard Divisional Lead for Child Health and Consultant Paediatrician said 'We have been overwhelmed by the extraordinary efforts that Pritpal and the Sanja Ball committee have made in their fundraising event for Cheethams. The pediatric department here at the University Hospital of North Midlands is extremely grateful for all the donations we receive but this considerable amount will really allow us to tackle some of the issues that significantly affect children when they come into hospital.

'We often take play, entertainment and special occasions such as birthdays for granted when we are well but they are so badly missed when spending time in hospital.

'We will put the money to very good use and are honored that the fundraising efforts from Sanja will help to shine a light for the very sickest children in stoke.'

Games and auctions contributed to the fundraising throughout the evening with guests leaving the event with signed film posters, football boots together with a holiday in the Algarve and Spain.

Steve Rushton, Head of UHNM Charity said 'We were delighted when Sanja chose Cheetham's as their charity for this wonderful event and can't thank Pritpal and his committee enough for the tireless work that they put into this wonderful event.

'At Cheetham's, our young patients are at the heart of everything we do and this money will help us to ensure that we have everything we need to make sure that our young patients and their families feel as welcome and comfortable as possible during their stay with us.'

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For more information about this press release please contact Andrea Chapman, Head of Charity Marketing and Communications on 07799 115618 or email andrea.chapman@uhns.nhs.uk

NOTES FOR EDITOR

UHNM Charity

UHNM Charity supports the excellent work of University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust by enhancing facilities and providing added value. It is a registered charity that manages all money raised for, or donated to, the hospital.

UHNM Charity supports patients, their relatives and friends, staff and local businesses and organisations to raise money for the hospital.

The charity also works closely with the hospital to make sure that all specialities are supported to spend every penny of the money raised on items that will directly improve patient care.