A BLACK tie event has helped raise an impressive £5,700 for Goldenhar Family Support Group.

A 20-piece big band, 20 auction prizes and 20 tables of guests were all part of The Golden Ball on October 25.

Organised by Nathan Jones from All Stars Big Band and Alan Holmes of Holmes Music, the event was held in St Joseph’s Catholic College.

Alan said: “It’s a charity very close to my heart and I became involved with the Goldenhar Family Support Group when my grandson Morgan was born with Goldenhar Syndrome in February 2007.

“I would like to thank Nathan Jones and the All Stars for again supporting Goldenhar as the chosen charity.

“There were so many people and companies that donated prizes for the raffle and auction, I cannot thank them enough for supporting the evening.

“The money raised at the event helped me to hit a personal milestone of raising in excess of £60,000 for Goldenhar since 2007.”

Nathan said: “This is an annual event that is fantastically supported. It’s the perfect opportunity for guests to get their dancing shoes on and raise some money for a great cause at the same time.”

Goldenhar Syndrome is a rare congenital abnormality, usually affecting one side of the body with abnormal, missing or misplaced ears. Sufferers may also experience breathing problems, feeding problems and abnormal ribs and vertebrae.

Mayor of Swindon Teresa Page, who attended the event, said: “As Mayor of Swindon and having Goldenhar as one of my chosen charities, it was a pleasure to be invited to such a wonderful evening.

“The amount of money raised is amazing.

“I personally would like to add my sincere thanks to all those who contributed to the event, making it the success it was.

“I would like to congratulate Alan Holmes in so far raising more than £60,000 for the Goldenhar Charity.”

Robert Groocock, Group Chairman for Goldenhar UK said Alan is an advocate for the charity and thanked him and Nathan for choosing Goldenhar as their charity.

  • For more information, visit www.goldenhar.org.uk