MAJOR STEP TOWARDS MRI MACHINE THANKS TO BLACK TIE BALL
THE goal of Wexford General Hospital having its very own MRI machine took a major step closer to becoming a reality after a black tie ball at The Riverside Park Hotel managed to raise in excess of €30,000.
The MRI Now Charity Ball was organised by Colm Neville of The Riverside Park Hotel along with Friends of Wexford General Hospital with the aim of making a dent in the €250,000 target which has been set for the purchase of a vital MRI Scanner to improve patient care at the hospital.
The event was hugely successful in that goal, with full ticket prices and all proceeds, including a raffle, going towards the cause, all banqueting costs being born by Mr Neville and the hotel.
There was plenty of glitz and glamour and the capacity crowd received the red carpet treatment as they arrived at the hotel in their finery for an evening of fun. The ball was sponsored by the Riverside Park Hotel, Bank of Ireland, Pallas Foods and Enniscorthy & District Chamber. Numerous other businesses also contributed to the night in the form of prizes and donations.
Chairperson of Friends of Wexford General Hospital Ciaran Sheridan was blown away by the support the event received. Speaking on the night, he said: ‘ The generosity of everybody has been astonishing. I find it impossible to find words to express my gratitude. This evening’s event will assist greatly in fundraising for an MRI Scanner. To everybody who helped organise, all the sponsors, the donors and to all the staff here at the hotel thank you for your kindness and for your support. A special thanks to the Bank of Ireland staff in all 7 branches across Co Wexford who held a coffee morning which raised over €3,500 in aid of the MRI Now appeal.’
On the night, Mr Sheridan was delighted to welcome Dr Aidan Buckley, Consultant Cardiologist at Wexford General and Lily Barnes, General Manager of the Hospital who were also delighted to see such great support. Dr Buckley spoke of the absolute necessity of having an MRI machine, a resource which he said every major hospital should now have on site.
Mr Sheridan hoped that the fundraising will continue its momentum and that the vital equipment will be found in Wexford General before long.
‘A sponsored run, a coffee morning or any event that will raise valuable funds, big or small, will go a long way to helping us hit our goal and secure an MRI for Wexford,’ he said.
‘Please spread the word and help us make a difference. Tonight has been a phenomenal success. Thank you to everyone who contributed in any way.’