Christmas Ball 2024

Wow, what a night we had at our annual Christmas Ball on Saturday 7 December at the Darwin Conference Suite, University of Kent celebrating our 40th Anniversary. We raised £9,908 which is fantastic news. Guests arrived to a beautiful venue with stunning table centre pieces carefully arranged by our wonderful volunteer, Shiela. They were treated to arrival drinks and the chance to have their portraits taken by Cémanthe McKenzie, our photographer for the night. Once seated for dinner, Heidi Coleman CEO, welcomed everyone to the event and showed what we have achieved this year at the Centre. She then gave the floor to Dave Fulton, Sky Sports Presenter and former Kent cricketer, as our MC for the night.  

The battle for True or False champion began after starters were served with the winner also celebrating his birthday on the night.  

Following delicious festive mains and desserts, our guests John Hobbs who spoke about the growth of the Centre in its history as well as Glen Lawson, an MS member, who told the room about the physical, mental and social benefits he gets from attending the Centre weekly.

After the Silent Auction brought to us by the team at All Star Events closed, the Live Auction got going. There were some lovely prizes on offer donated by local Kent businesses such as Neptune Bars, The Dog at Wingham and Hayne Barn Estate and the bidding was competitive and encouraged by Dave!  

To end the night, the dance floor opened up and the brilliant local band The Compilation played a fantastic set which got everyone dancing and singing together! More excitement came when the raffle was drawn and people got to see if they’d been lucky enough to win one of the great prizes on offer.  

It was a brilliant evening, so much fun and so much money raised for the Centre.