Having A Ball In Reigate

Following the success of the inaugural Reigate Charity Ball in 2015, tireless fitness trainer and ball organiser, Helen Delaney, is doing it all over again in 2016. Last year’s event with its theme of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ was held at The Old Reigatians’ Rugby Club and raised an incredible £23,500, every penny of which went to support Pancreatic Cancer UK, The Royal Marsden, and St Catherine’s Hospice.

Most of us will have been affected in some way or other by cancer, either personally or through someone close to us and when Helen’s mother-in-law died from pancreatic cancer, Helen was determined to do something in her memory that would benefit other sufferers and help increase awareness. When Patrick Swayze died of the same disease in 2009, it went some way to raising its profile but it remains less well known than other cancers like breast and prostate. Helen, realising the practical and financial resources available in a town like Reigate, decided to utilise these in a fun and profitable way to highlight the condition and generate funds, and so The Reigate Charity Ball was born!

As well as running her own successful business, The Fitness Room in Reigate, Helen and her committee of 5 other local ladies, are working hard to organise this year’s event which takes place on Saturday July 2. Robert Leech and Devine Homes plc, along with Metis Wealth, Createselect and Panaseer are sponsoring the ball and other local companies are donating their services. The theme this summer is ‘Show Time’ and the venue is Reigate Priory School where a marquee will be erected in the grounds and revellers will dance the night away to the strains of the brilliant band ‘The Blue Rinse’.

As with most good ideas – this one is simple but effective. People love an excuse to dress up and go dancing, to eat, drink and be merry, and will give generously for the privilege. Even at £75 each, the 250 tickets sold out in four minutes (that’s not a misprint, I do mean ‘four’ minutes), such is the enthusiasm and support for this event. However, for those not quick enough to snap up a ticket, it’s not too late to get involved. Donations can be made via the Virgin Money Giving website, and donated prizes for the raffle, auction and silent auction are very welcome. If you did miss out on
tickets this year, make sure you keep an eye on the ‘Reigate Charity Ball’ Facebook page ready for when next year’s tickets go on sale. This is an event set to run and run….  (or should that be dance and dance?).

For more information visit:Reigate Charity Ball 2016 on Facebook: