A Dinner, Ball, and top entertainment in support of the charity appeal to bring new MRI scanners to Darlington Memorial and Bishop Auckland Hospitals is being held at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, on Friday 17th November 2017.

Tickets are £65 each with tables of ten. The evening starts with a drinks reception at 7.00pm, followed by a four course meal and three complementary bottles of wine per table. A full evening of entertainment includes live music from X Factor finalist, Keira Weathers and a Disco till 1.00 am.

Charity manager at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, Pat Chambers, says, “I’m delighted that we’ve already sold most tickets but we still have a limited number of seats available, it would be wonderful if businesses and the community can help us make our first Charity Ball a sell-out. It’s a chance to get dressed up and have fun, enjoy some great networking and meet friends old and new – all for a great cause. It’s timely for an early Christmas get together too!”

“An MRI scanner is one of the most expensive pieces of equipment hospitals purchase but tremendous advances in technology over recent years mean they can be enormously helpful in diagnosing cancer, heart conditions, strokes and many other health issues. Scans can also give doctors information that previously required the patient to undergo surgery or another invasive procedure as part of the investigation of their symptoms. Crucially, MRI scanners don’t use radiation, unlike x-rays so offer a safer route for patients, particularly children.

“Many of us will need an MRI scan at some point, or have a close relative or friend who will benefit from one, and the ball is a fantastic chance to support the appeal and have a great night. We’re extremely grateful to Maguires Country Parks for sponsoring this, our first, Charity Ball.”

To find out more, or buy tickets, email: pat.chambers1@nhs.net or ring 07770 45565.

There are lots of ways you can donate to the appeal including via the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Charity ‘justgiving’ website at: https://www.justgiving.com/cddft or send a cheque to: Cashiers, Darlington Memorial Hospital, Hollyhurst Road, Darlington, DL3 6HX. Please make cheques payable to: Co Durham & Darlington NHS FT Charity.