The Hollywood-themed Ball featured an exclusive raffle and auction, with prizes such as a boxing glove signed by Frank Bruno and Amir Khan and an MK Dons signed football shirt.  Generous sponsors Harben House also donated ten pounds from each ticket sale and 10%of all bar sales on the night to Little Lives, which made an Oscar-worthy impact on the total.

During the night there were performances from ‘Fred and Ginger’ – aka National Ballroom Dancing Champions Bob and Jenny Sampson – and Ricky Lopez, who wowed the crowd with his Rat Pack show.  Guests included Cllr Debbie Brock and MK Lions Chief Executive Vince Macaulay, first-team player Ishmael Fontaine and Head Coach Michael New.

Dr Asha Chandola, a GP at Newport Pagnell Medical Centre, organised the event on behalf of MedicsWhoMocha.  Helping her were Dr Hayley Allen from Stony Stratford Medical Centre and Mrs Emma Nicholson.  Dr Chandola was delighted with the turn out.  She said: “The success of the Special Care Baby Unit is essential to the future generations of Milton Keynes. Many of our patients have also benefited from its life saving treatments. We have been astounded by the overwhelming generosity of all of the people who came to this event. A special thank you to De Vere Harben Newport Pagnell, The Prestige Homes MK Lions and local MK businesses for their support and generosity.”

Final figures are yet to be released, but the event has so far generated £5,000 for the Appeal, raising funds for a redevelopment of the Hospital’s Neonatal Unit.  Glenda Deacon, Unit Manager, is thrilled with the Ball’s success.  She said: “This is a fantastic sum!  Thank you ever so much to everyone involved – it will make a real difference to the little lives admitted to us every day.”

For further information on the Little Lives Appeal, people can email fundraising@mkhospital.nhs.uk.