MORE than 430 guests helped raise £50,000 for Warwick charity Molly Ollys at its tenth anniversary Blossom Ball.
The evening of glitz and glamour took place at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Southam.
Across the evening there was a raffle, silent auction and a live auction and guests were entertained with performances from local children’s dance troupe, Viva Theatre Arts , Motown band, The Soul Brothers, a Chinese lion and drummers and local DJ Andy Saunders. While guests enjoyed an incredible Asian fusion meal, delivered by Sanjay Foods.
Molly Ollys was founded ten years ago by Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw whose eight-year-old daughter Molly died after a five year battle with a rare kidney cancer.
Rachel said: “Ten years is a big landmark for us at the charity as we have been able to help thousands of children like Molly over the years. It was Molly’s wish that we help other children facing challenging health circumstances and we are proud that we have and we will continue to help.
“None of this would have been possible without the donations and support of wonderful individuals and corporate supporters such as those who came to our tenth anniversary ball. To have raised more than £50,000 in these tough financial times is truly awe-inspiring – these are much needed funds and we will be able to do so much good with this money. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
A powerful video was played at the ball, featuring three children that Molly Ollys has helped either with a wish or by donating its therapeutic lion, Olly The Brave.
One of the guests at the ball was Karen Robbins who lost her daughter Leanne to cancer in 2015 at the age of 16. Leanne’s wish was to go to see Les Miserables and Molly Ollys made that happen.
Karen said; “Molly Ollys is special to me as the team made sure my beautiful daughter Leanne could have some joy and not only watch Les Mis, but also meet the actors. Leanne had the best time. It is nearly eight years since she died and I hold onto that very happy memory. I have attended all of Molly Ollys balls since she passed away to show my support for this truly wonderful charity – the team really makes a difference to families like mine.”
