Forncett St Mary mother’s charity ball to keep James’ memory alive

A Forncett St Mary fundraiser, who has given more then £41,000 to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), is set to raise even more after announcing her third charity ball, in memory of her son James.

Susie Thorndyke has raised the majority of the money from her previous two balls at Dunston Hall Hotel, just outside Norwich, and the next one will be on March 9.

James Thorndyke had severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and received care at Each’s former Quidenham hospice, dying five days short of his first birthday, in February 2017.

Ever since, Susie has become a great supporter of the charity, which offers care and support for children and young people with life-threatening conditions and their families across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.

She said: “The previous two balls have been great and I’m proud to have raised so much money. I am delighted and feel organising fundraisers like this keeps me going.

“It gives me a reason to carry on and I love doing things in James’ memory. EACH is an amazing charity and will always be important to me.

“I will always have that lifelong connection and be eternally grateful for the care and support we received as a family.”

EACH, whose patron is the Princess of Wales, relies on voluntary donations for the majority of its income and this year needs to raise £6.7 million from fundraising and £7.8 million from its shops. Just 15 per cent of its total income comes from statutory sources.

The hospice specialises in nursing care, symptom management support, short breaks, wellbeing activities, therapies and counselling.

Susie’s ball will run from 6.30pm until midnight and tickets cost £47, which includes an arrival drink and three-course set meal.

There will also be a raffle, auction, casino tables and live music.

To book a ticket, call Susie on 07918 556323 or email susieash12@gmail.com. She would also love to hear from any individuals or businesses interested in sponsoring the ball.

For more information about EACH, including forthcoming events and how you can help raise funds for the charity, go online to www.each.org.uk or call its fundraising team on 01223 800800.