Annual Strawberry Sparkle ladies' luncheon raises fabulous £2,300 for GEM Appeal

Over £2,300 was raised for the GEM Appeal with the annual Strawberry Sparkle luncheon at Nutters Restaurant on Wednesday 25 August.

Eighty-two ladies in posh frocks and fascinators gathered for an afternoon of fundraising, great food and entertainment.

The afternoon began with the GEM Appeal signature Strawberry Sparkle cocktail and canapés, served outside in the sunshine. Entering into the restaurant, the tables looked beautiful, adorned with centrepieces created and donated by several local florists.

The event was opened by the charity’s founder, Karen Johnson, and entertainment provided by singer James Cockerill.

Special guest actor David Lonsdale, best known for his role as David in Heartbeat, assisted with the raffle, providing his own charm and humour to the proceedings.

 

 

The GEM Appeal - Genetics. Enzymes. Metabolics. - raises money to fund research and find cures for genetic diseases, and was founded in 1994 by Karen, of Rochdale, whose sons, Simon and Mikey, were born with Hunter Syndrome. Tragically, both boys lost their lives to the incurable disease at the age of 12, but their names live on in the Willink Unit laboratory at Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Karen says the Strawberry Sparkle is her favourite event. She gave a heart-rending speech, informing everyone how significant their support and donations are: because of research carried out at The Willink Unit, a diagnosis of a rare genetic disease, such as Hunter Syndrome, no longer means a death sentence, as it did for Simon and Mikey.

Money raised by the GEM Appeal has resulted in enzyme replacement therapy treatments being developed. These have been life-changing for many families with children with genetic conditions; reducing symptoms, avoiding further complications, extending life expectancy and giving better quality of life.

The medical team at the hospital is optimistic about the future and is striving for more rare genetic diseases to be included in the newborn screening programme heel prick test.

Money raised by GEM Appeal supporters has recently bought a Tecan machine for Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. This significant piece of equipment, which costs £120,000 will be up and running very soon.

 

 

GEM Appeal fundraiser and trustee Wendy Mills added: "The equipment we have bought is helping pioneering research, developing enzyme replacement therapies, or performing routine, but essential jobs, enabling the specialist medical teams to concentrate on more complex tasks.

"The senior bioscientist at the Willink Unit, which was built by money raised by the Gem Appeal, has told us that it is an exciting time for developments in genetics. We have been part of this journey and we want to continue to be with them every step of the way. We have asked for a wishlist from the unit and we are eager to raise money to buy more equipment to further their work.

"We would like to say a massive thank you to Andrew Nutter and his staff, florists, guests stalls, all the lovely ladies and everyone who contributed to making this Strawberry Sparkle event so special. We can't wait to do more."

Further details of the charity and future events can be found at www.gem-appeal.co.uk