A Wilsden family is organising a Halloween Ball to say thank you to the hospice that is helping them live with their children’s rare genetic brain disease.
Luke and Chrissie Gorringe and their family are among those who have benefited from the care and support of Martin House hospice and are expressing their appreciation through a Halloween Masked Ball being held at the Mercure Bankfield Hotel in Bradford on Friday.
For Luke, an installer at Steeton-based Acorn Stairlifts, Martin House continues to provide care, support and a ‘lifeline’ for his family. Luke and Chrissie’s children, four-year-old Dollie and Leighton, eight, have a rare genetic brain disease – Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome – for which there is no cure.
The Halloween Ball is being organised by Luke’s sister Michelle Gorringe, who runs her own business, Fantazie Events. After planning the ball for three months, Michelle hopes to make it an annual event for Martin House having seen the support it has given to her brother and his family.
Around 400 children per year are diagnosed AGS worldwide, it affects new born infants and usually results in severe mental and physical handicap. Though the disease varies, symptoms include a range of physical and intellectual disability, epilepsy, skin conditions, vision problems, joint and muscle stiffness, loss of muscle tone and involuntary muscle contractions and twisting.
“I have been to Martin House hospice and seen what they do. It is so personal, so sensitive and it ripples out. Their ethos is about the children, their families and extended families,” explains Michelle.
“It is an essential resource – it has been a lifesaver for us – if Chrissie and Luke need a break or Dollie needs attention the staff are on hand. It is completely different dealing with specialised illnesses – you want people who are familiar with their needs.”
The ball, which is being sponsored by Bingley-based BIST group and Acorn Stairlifts, is taking place at the venue where Luke and Chrissie married last December and funds raised during the evening will contribute to the hospice’s daily running costs alongside activities and trips for families supported by Martin House.
Michelle adds: “I am overwhelmed with the generosity of people to support the event and for it to be successful – and for Luke’s employer to offer their support really shows where their ethics lie. They are willing to invest in their workers.”
Luke also expressed his appreciation to his workplace saying: “They are brilliant. And with so much support and generosity, I want to see our Martin House hospice fundraising figure reach £100,000 in three years’ time.”
Acorn Stairlifts, which has been manufacturing and installing stairlifts for more than 20 years, is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and installation of stairlifts. Operations Director Nick Wilson, said: “Our business is about manufacturing and installing stairlifts which make a difference to families across the country every hour of every day and we are delighted to be able to help a family and a hospice who are also working to improve and support young lives across our region.
“We have more than 500 staff working out of Acorn Stairlifts from the factory floor to our installers and collectively we want to do what we can to help Luke and Chrissie. We’re sure they’ll have a fantastic evening that ultimately, will make a difference to so many families in need and we wish Luke, Chrissie and Michelle all the luck in the world for a hugely successful event this week.”
Chris Verney, regional fundraiser for Martin House, added: “We value every supporter, but it’s very special when a family who use Martin House, decide to raise money for us, as the Gorringe’s have done for many years. We’re also delighted that Acorn Stairlifts is supporting Luke and his family in their fundraising, and we’d like to say a huge thank you to the firm.”
For more information about the Halloween Masked Ball, or to get involved, visit HalloweenMaskedBall.eventbrite.co.uk.
