STRICTLY SUCCESS FOR EDWARD’S TRUST’S GLITTER BALL AS
FANCY FUNDRAISING EVENT RAISES OVER £28,000

Edward’s Trust, a charity offering a holistic family bereavement service supporting children, young people and parents across the West Midlands held their annual charity ball on Saturday 19 November and hosted over 250 of West Midlands’ finest professionals and party goers to raise a whopping £28,000 and counting for the much needed services they provide.

The event which was kindly sponsored by Eversheds kicked off with a drinks reception, and welcomed diners and dancers from Eversheds, The Binding Group, Tyndallwoods Solicitors, Barclay’s, BCTG, Leaping Man Group and more.

The evening albeit fun, had a serious message that was delivered by founder and trustee Peter Dent, father of Edward, echoed by Chief Executive Yvonne Gilligan but put elegantly and more-so to the point by Matt Tomlin, a recently bereaved father who had his audience in tears and their hands in their wallets;

“On 1st March 2013, our 11 month old baby girl Sophie passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. It was a completely shattering and sobering experience, one which you never wanted to feel or never think you’d experience yourself. However, it is something which we were launched into, something which we had to deal with as not only did my wife Louise and I lose our daughter, but our son, Harry aged 3, had lost his sister whom he played so dearly with. Even to this day, that sobering realisation that Louise and I had in explaining to Harry, that his sister will no longer be coming home, sends a numbness through your body.

“I buried my head in the sand, to seek solace in work and not deal with the issues head on. I decided not to seek counselling, but Louise, on the other hand, was pro-active and decided to seek the help of Edward’s Trust, where she was so amazingly supported by her counsellor, Sandra. Having that hour each week to discuss thoughts which float around in your head, slowly enabled her to unpick the grieving process and rationalise how she could look to move forward in her life and, hope to rebuild the family that was once so strong.

“Not only did Louise attend counselling sessions, our son Harry also went to Edward’s Trust on a fortnightly basis where he could play and talk about his feelings. Although Harry wouldn’t necessarily know or understand the support he was offered at that time, the sessions which Edwards Trust offered Harry helped him grow out from the cloud that was over him.

“The support provided by Edward’s Trust and care afforded to Harry were second to none and, have helped him grow into the caring 7 year old he is now.

“Nearly 11 months after suffering the loss of Sophie, I eventually plucked up the confidence to talk to Edward’s Trust and, remove myself from the low point I was at. The support on offer was fantastic, enabling me to talk through many aspects of life.”

Edward’s Trust support over 600 families like the Tomlin’s each year through bereavement and all too often, bereaved parents and children feel as if no-one understands what they are going through just like Matt and his family. It costs approximately £550,000 per annum to fund the care offered by Edward’s Trust to bereaved families, money predominantly fundraised with the support of regional businesses and key events like the Glitter Ball.

Yvonne Gilligan, Chief Executive adds: “We are thrilled to announce our Glitter Ball raised £28,000 and counting with guests pledging to raise monies further. The support in the room from our corporate sponsors, volunteers, ambassadors and everyone else was overwhelming.
“Edward, a courageous young boy who left us 28 years ago at the young age of seven would be incredibly proud of what his father set up all those years ago and how many families we have helped since.
“We have been working tirelessly to raise the £550,000 to keep the service going year on year, and it is a very challenging time for charities. The efforts by the Fundraising team in pulling together this amazing event, securing corporate sponsors and of course ensuring over 250 guests had a great time is no mean feat.
“Raising £28,000 will directly fund around 35 children through bereavement with all the counselling sessions they need, a great result all around with funds raised being used directly to support families.”
Matt concludes; “it’s not just the counselling where we have valued Edwards Trust so much; it’s the annual events such as the remembrance service at Christmas time that help the extended family, or for the children, meeting father Christmas and the Christmas party that illustrate that they are always there for you and will never leave you on your own.
“They have made each of us strong, enabled each of us to be able to cope with life and share the best of life with each other and with wider family and friends. They have also given us the confidence to be able to carry on life, to tackle issues head on, to ensure emotions are contained in their respective boxes and, ensure life does not get too much.
“Many of us, including me, have taken such issues for granted in the past. However, given the experience of being in the middle of the despair, Edwards Trust and their help, is truly invaluable. Thank you to Edward’s Trust.”
Edward’s Trust, set up in 1989 by Peter and Hilary Dent in memory of their son Edward, who died aged 7, set up the first Edward’s House within two years to provide accommodation for families whilst their child was receiving treatment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Almost 25 years later The Trust still continues to provide much needed support to bereaved families.

ENDS
Notes to Editor
• 2080 children are bereaved of a parent each year in the West Midlands alone
• 668 babies are stillborn or dire before their 1st birthday each year in the West Midlands
• 260 children between the ages of 1-19 die each year in the West Midlands
• 1 in 29 school age children in the UK have been bereaved of a parent or sibling – that’s around one in every classroom.
• Around 2000 families in the West Midlands are effected by the loss of a loved one
About Edward’s Trust
• Founded by Peter and Hilary Dent 1989 in memory of their seven year old son Edward.
• Support bereaved parents, or about to be bereaved, of their son or daughter – whatever the age of their child or cause of death.
• Support children and young people of school age who are bereaved, or are about to be bereaved of a parent, significant carer, sibling or friend.
• Provide a ‘Well Being in Bereavement’ service that includes complementary therapies and respite bereavement care for bereaved parents and carers.

• Training and consultation for professional working with bereaved families or families about to be bereaved
• Edward’s Trust supports over 600 families per year
• Edward’s Trust need to raise over £500,000 each year
• Over 2,000 families are impacted by grief in the West Midlands each year.
For all press enquiries please contact Kelly Ruston, Marketing and Communications, Edward’s Trust at
Kelly.ruston@edwardstrust.org.uk or call 07584244550