THIS year's Marriott Charity Ball is only six weeks away and the nine charities set to benefit from the event eagerly await the cash it will raise.

In the run-up to the prestigious black-tie dance to be held at the Swindon Marriott Hotel, the Evening Advertiser will look at how each of the nine beneficiaries will use the fundraising money.

The Advertiser is also backing the ball on Saturday, May 8, which includes dinner, dancing and an auction of goods donated by local businesses. About £40,000 is expected to be raised.

This year the total raised since the Swindon Rotary Club launched the ball in 1989 will exceed £400,000.

Nationwide, the event's main sponsor, matches the money raised pound for pound.

Michelle Leighton, the community affairs manager at Nationwide, said: "It's great so many local charities can benefit and it is something we are very committed to."

Asthma Relief is just one of the groups due to benefit.

It expects to receive a grant of £2,250 that will be used to buy 40 nebulisers.

Manager David Penman said: "This money will, without a doubt, save lives.

"We provide nebulisers to doctors who are on call.

"Very few of them have nebulisers available to them but, with this money, we will be able to change that.

"It will mean that when doctors are called out in emergencies they will be able to treat people with breathing difficulties on the spot.

"This will reduce the number of people having to be taken to hospital for treatment."

Technology For The Disabled is another group set to benefit from the charity ball.

The group will use the £6,000 it expects to receive to buy new computers and equipment for its workshop.

Group spokesman Tony Pinnell said: "We have installed low-level computer tables and hope to buy more PCs with the money, which will mean we can invite more disabled people into our workshop.

"We have also got broadband installed now so we can offer the best facilities to people who come in.

"Our long-term view is to help disabled people learn the computing skills which are needed to return to work."

The group currently has 80 members but is hoping to increase its membership to more than 100 once it receives the money from the ball.

Mr Pinnell added: "We are incredibly grateful for the money.

"It is a great help to us we would not be able to provide as much as we do without the promise of this money."

Emma-Kate Lidbury