The sixth annual Glitter Ball, held at the Copthorne Hotel in Dudley, has raised more than £15,000 to fund an interactive MRI rocket scanner through The Dudley Group NHS Charity. The scanner is designed to create a more engaging and reassuring environment for young patients, helping to make hospital visits less frightening for children.
Event Highlights and Support
The event was supported by Halesowen College, Dudley College of Technology, Summit Healthcare, and How to Find a Care Home, with Halesowen College serving as headline sponsor. Attendees enjoyed close-up magic, a performance by the West End Kids, and a special appearance by official Star Wars characters, courtesy of Garrison UK.
Guests also heard moving stories from patients, families and fundraisers, highlighting the impact of charitable support on patient care. The charity expressed its thanks to everyone who donated raffle and auction prizes, as well as the businesses, teams and supporters who helped make the event a success.
NHS Chief Executive's Response
Diane Wake, chief executive of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We want to do everything we can to make the experience children have in our hospitals feel less daunting and more reassuring. The interactive rocket scanner is a fantastic example of how we can use creativity and innovation to create a more child-friendly environment and help young patients feel more comfortable during their care."
Wake added: "The Glitter Ball is also a wonderful example of our local community coming together to support patients and families, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make the evening such a success."
College's Perspective
Craig Tucker, assistant principal for apprenticeships and higher education at Halesowen College, said: "It has been amazing to support the Dudley Group NHS Charity. They do so much for our local community and support our students looking to go into the healthcare sector. The Glitter Ball has been an absolutely wonderful event."
The funds raised will go towards the interactive MRI rocket scanner, which aims to improve the hospital experience for young patients in Dudley. The scanner is part of ongoing efforts by The Dudley Group NHS Charity to enhance patient care through innovative solutions.
