A meticulously planned black tie Dinner & Ball meant to bring the curtain down on a fundraising campaign has spurred a Leukaemia suffering Newtonian to keep on raising money for the charity Bloodwise (formerly Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research).
Paul McGeary was diagnosed with Leukaemia in November last year and through a series of campaigns and events organised by himself, family and friends, a target of £10k was exceeded in August when the #NotOneInch group tallied up a superb £13k total.
The charity ball was the brainchild of four Durham ladies – affectionately tagged the Heathers Ladies – Aimi Gibson, Hayley Whitehill, Jeanette Holgate and Melanie Winship-Lee, a former colleague of Mr McGeary’s at Sedgefield Community College. The event was held at Durham’s Ramside Hall last Saturday evening.
200 attended the event, compered by comedian Brendan Healy and included dinner, games, raffle, auction, singing entertainment and a disco.
The Heathers group presented Bloodwise with a cheque for £6,200, bringing the #NotOneInch group total to a staggering £19,277.
Paul McGeary said, “I am truly humbled by the efforts of the four girls and the amount raised double the amount expected. It is a testament to their hard work and dedication. “The evening went seamlessly and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves into the late hours.”
McGeary now plans a small campaign to bring the total over the £20k mark before the year is out and in 2016 will be calling upon volunteers and ideas as the charity pushes to raise £25k.
Anyone with any fundraising ideas is welcomed to contact Paul on 07703 732342 or email at mcgearypaul@hotmail.co.uk A justgiving page remains open for donations and can be accessed at www.justgiving.com/Paul-McGeary2
Photo by Karl Utley & Jason Allison Photography
