The annual Rockinghorse Ball has raised more than £100,000 for the Brighton charity which supports some of the most poorly children in the area.
Guests heard the moving story of a seven-year-old girl whose parents spoke about the treatment and support she had had after having liver cancer diagnosed when she was just two.
Rockinghorse chief executive Ryan Heal told guests: “You are directly contributing to the improved care and services for our children.”
The ball was held at the Grand hotel in Brighton on Saturday (12 October) with BBC Sussex presenter Danny Pike acting as the MC (master of ceremonies) for the evening.
Rockinghorse said that 350 guests attended the masked ball and between them and the event’s sponsors they raised £101,000.
The headline sponsor was the law firm DMH Stallard and the supporting sponsors included the Grand hotel, Cardens Accountants, Gap Solutions and Potter Raper.
The charity said: “Funds were being raised for Rockinghorse’s projects across Sussex, including the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital (the Alex), in Brighton.
“The charity is the official fundraising arm of the Alex and a vital supporter of the neighbouring Trevor Mann Baby Unit.
“Its support extends to children’s wards in hospitals across Sussex, as well as neonatal units, respite centres and specialist paediatric services in the county.
“Since its inception in 1967, Rockinghorse has raised millions of pounds for these services in over half a century.
“The charity primarily raises funds for life-saving and cutting-edge medical equipment with a focus on children’s physical and emotional well-being, as well as providing additional support for parents and carers.
“During the evening, guests raised over £13,000 specifically for oxygen saturation monitors to benefit the Alex.
“These essential items of equipment are used by all departments across the children’s hospital.
“They cost £500 each and are invaluable for monitoring children with various respiratory conditions as well as assessing children post-operatively.”
Mr Heal told guests: “By supporting our numerous projects at the Alex, you are directly contributing to the improved care and services for our children.
“We refuse to stand by and see the Alex without the equipment it needs to give our children the best possible care, no matter what the financial or political backdrop engulfing the NHS.
