Welcome to the award winning Ilkley Chat!
'An Enchanted Evening’ for Ilkley Candlelighters
Guests at the Ilkley Candlelighters annual May Ball, held at Rudding Park Hotel on May 11th, had a thoroughly enchanting evening.
The event kicked off with a champagne reception and Jazz, while the glamorous guests were gently coerced to part with money for the Top Hat Draw (every ticket a winner) and the Jewellery Raffle.
A sumptuous four course meal was followed by an Auction expertly run by MC Jon Hammond, there was also a Silent Auction.
The first speaker of the night was Cleo Tasker, who movingly recounted her son and family’s journey from his diagnosis of cancer, where he was literally hours from death to three years later. He is doing very well and he is back at school with only a year more of chemotherapy to go. Cleo talked about the whole family support provided by Candlelighters, accommodation, counsellors, play therapists and all the things the NHS cannot provide. In addition funding for ongoing groundbreaking research which means her son is still alive whereas a few years ago his chances would have been very poor.
Dr Bob (Phillips) also spoke of the Oncology Departments gratitude for all the extras provided to help children and their families make this most difficult of journeys.
A spokesperson for the committee said 'Preliminary estimates after costs indicate a stunning £30,000 was raised on the night. Ilkley Candlelighters would like to thank people and businesses for their unstinting support and guests for once again supporting this event.'
'For further information about Ilkley Candlelighters and also next years Ball, please visit, www.ilkleycandlelighters.org.uk'