Fundraiser ball for Kayleigh lifts charities
AMOTHER- O FTHREE has raised more than £7,000 with her fourth charity ball in memory of her daughter who died of cancer, aged 23.
Kayleigh Hayes died from bowel cancer in 2013 and her mum, Jackie Cockwill, 48, has been putting on The Dragonfly Charity Balls each year since.
This year’s event took place on July 22 at the Floral Hall at Southport and was 1920s-themed.
Jackie said: “I chose to do the 1920s theme as it was an elegant decade and it’s nice for people to dress up and look glamorous for the evening and have a good time.
“I host the event every year to give something back to the two wonderful charities that were there for us as a family when we really needed it the most, it also keeps Kayleigh’s memory alive.
“The ball just gets better and better every year. We sold over 180 tickets and raised over £7,000 this year.
“I am so overwhelmed by everybody’s continued support and am truly thankful to everyone.”
The money raised was split between three charities: CLIC Sargent, Live to Learn CIC and QueensCourt Hospice, where Kayleigh died.
It will go towards helping the charities make a big difference in their everyday work.
Jackie said: “My other daughter, Stephanie, has severe learning difficulties and attends Live to Learn CIC, a day centre for adults with special needs in the school holidays. We have donated £500 there for the past two years, and hope that it can help them finish decorating their drama room.
“On behalf of my husband, Neill Cockwill, and myself, I want to thank this year’s sponsors Fletchers Solicitors and Tienne Jewellers for their kind sponsorship which went towards the live entertainment and centre pieces.
“Also I want to truly thank everyone who donated a raffle prize, auction prize or by buying a ticket and supporting the ball on the night I would not be able to make this night as successful without you all.”
Next year’s ball is already at the planning stage and will take place at the Floral Hall on July 21, 2018.
Tickets will cost £45 and with that comes a threecourse meal, a red carpet, bucks fizz on arrival, raffle, auction, live entertainment, and a disco until 1am. Jackie said: “Kayleigh was beautiful inside and out.
“She had a great, bubbly personality and thoroughly loved life, she would be so very proud that all this money has been raised in her honour.”
If you are interested in helping in any way through sponsorship, or would like to buy a ticket, please contact Jackie on 07464 611 101.