Glittering Save Samantha ball raises over £37,000 towards Samantha Smith's 'lifetime fix' operation

Date published: 22 January 2019

A glittering cocktail ball in aid of the Save Samantha appeal has raised a staggering £37,500 towards Samantha Smith’s imminent ‘lifetime fix’ operation in America, smashing the team's £30,000 target to cover the basic hospital costs.

The brave mum of two flew out to Arizona on 17 January ahead of her provisional surgery on Friday (25 January), which would fuse her spine from the base of her skull through to her mid-back.

The prestigious ball began with reception drinks before a delicious three-course meal and an evening of entertainment in the Great Hall of Rochdale Town Hall on Friday 18 January.

 

 

 

Hosted by Craig Williams, musical entertainment included singer to the stars, Cole Page, ‘the King of Swing’ and 10-piece soul band, ‘The Soul Federation’ with Laramedia documenting the night through photos and video.

An auction of prizes raised over £24,000 including signed sporting memorabilia, a round of golf with Westlife’s Brian McFadden, Take That tickets, local restaurant vouchers, helicopter rides and a £2,000 jewellery voucher.

Further donations brought the total raised to a whopping £37,543.50.

 

 

Louise Rothwell, who put together the night and is now planning a summer ball, said: “When I first suggested the idea of a ball 10 weeks ago, I had no idea how well it would turn out. It has taken a lot of planning with it being so last minute, but with the efforts from the team and everyone who contributed to the night, we pulled it off.

“Everyone looked like they had an amazing night and I’ve so many people message me kind words and saying thank you for the food night they had.

“The amount that was raised is just beyond anything I thought would happen and I’m thrilled that Sam can now relax a little.”

 

 

 

Gwen Tyler, of Save Samantha, added: “The whole evening was wonderful from start to finish. The love and generosity in the room for our friend Samantha was breath-taking.

“We knew we still had to raise approximately £30,000 for Sam's basic hospital costs and to contribute towards some of the aftercare and rehabilitation.

“We hoped the Save Samantha Ball would play a part in raising a majority of this, but what we didn't anticipate was just how much.

“There have been so many people who have kindly contributed to the night. This wouldn't have been the amazing night it was without each and every one of those contributors or those of you who bought tickets.

“The fundraising will continue so that Samantha and her family can ensure that she can recover and rehabilitate fully and cover any additional costs or complications that may be incurred.

“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

 

 

 

Samantha, a psychotherapist from Smithy Bridge, was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) in December 2016, a genetic condition causing faulty connective tissue that can lead to further medical complications.

Just months later, she was diagnosed with Craniocervical Instability (CCI), a secondary condition linked to EDS that meant the ligaments in Samantha’s neck were too stretched and weakened to support her head, causing the top of her spine to squash her brainstem under the weight of her skull. 

Unfortunately, the surgeries weren’t as successful as was hoped, leading Sam’s health to deteriorate even further. The upcoming operation, which would remove all movement in her spine, has a higher success rate than of the previous surgeries.

Since April 2017, the appeal has raised over £450,000 towards Samantha’s neurosurgeries.

 

Ball images kindly provided by Laramedia.

How you can help Save Samantha

Donations can be made via:

Just Giving: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/save-samantha-smith

PayPal: www.paypal.me/savesamanthapurchase

Bank Transfer: 

Name: Save Samantha 
Account no: 90266248
Sort code: 20-45-45

Read more about Samantha's brave journey:

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/news-archives?type=News&Criteria=Samantha+Smith