Having a ball to help Trust

Dewsbury Charity Ball 2013 - This year's event sold out months beforehand and is raising funds for the Luke and Marcus Trust. (D522F311)

More than 150 people enjoyed an evening of dinner and dancing last Friday.

Guests at the black tie event at Dewsbury Town Hall were treated to a three-course meal, wine and music from local duo Jacques and Rachel Warlop, and pianist Stephen Parker.

Money was raised through ticket sales, a raffle and a charity auction, with the raffle alone bringing in more than £1,000. The event was also supported by the Dewsbury branch of Barclays.

Organising committee member Andrew Hutchinson said: “It went very well. We sold out well before Christmas and raised a lot of money. The charity auction went especially well and we have certainly exceeded last year’s effort.”

This year’s chosen charity was founded by Marilyn Shaw and Susan Garner in 2005.

Having both lost their sons to drug addiction, the pair set up the Trust to help others in the same situation and campaign nationally.

Marilyn said: “We are most appreciative of the ball and delighted to have been chosen.

“We have supported the ball for the last five or six years, so for us to be one of the recipients is a wonderful feeling. It will help us to continue with the work we are doing.”

See The Interview on page 47 for more on the charity.