After several postponements due to COVID, the dedicated Parent’s Association and Ball Committee at Russell House School, Otford (Sevenoaks) were finally able to bring together over 150 revellers to enjoy a sumptuous 3 course meal whilst raising funds for the Neonatal Unit at Tunbridge Wells Hospital and the charity Friend for Families in Sevenoaks. 

Set in the beautiful grounds of the school, in a fabulously dressed and dramatic marquee, guests were able to enjoy excellent food and entertainment, alongside a fantastic auction and prize raffle extravaganza.  Raising over £6,000 to split between the two worthy causes Russell House School once again proved that this really is “where the remarkable happens”. 

Speaking about the ball, Paula McBride Chair of the Ball Committee said, “After a long two year wait we were delighted to welcome everyone back to the School, for a fantastically fun night and to raise money for two worthwhile local charities.  Being local parents, many of whose children were born at Tunbridge Wells Hospital we wanted to give something back to support the babies who need extra help in those first few hours and weeks of life”.

Delighted to present Charlotte Taylor, Neonatal Ward Manager with a cheque for £3,036 were Lizzie and Clara who were helped by the Neonatal Unit at Tunbridge Wells Hospital seven and a half years ago.  Clara, who was born at 28 weeks and weighed just under 2lb spent 72 days on the Unit.  Clara and her family will be forever grateful to all the staff who helped care for her and ensured that she is now a very healthy, happy and chatty little girl. 

On receiving the fantastic donation, Charlotte said, “We are so fortunate that our local community continues to support the Neonatal Unit and the fantastic donation from Russell House School will be put towards purchasing positional aids for the babies in our care; providing support in a womb-like position which promotes calming and self-regulator behaviour.  The nests and wraps have been proven to lead to healthier development of the brain and body of premature and sick babies”.

To find out how you can support the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust Charity please contact our Head of Charity and Fundraising, Claire Ashby either by email at [email protected] or call 07525 967656.