A charity ball aimed at raising money for two disabled South Holland siblings is pulling out all of the stops to be even bigger and better this year.
Laura Powell helped raise more than £4,500 for Spalding toddler Mia Clucas last March when she organised and delivered Mia’s Ball at Bourne Corn Exchange.
Mia, who is the daughter of Spalding Voice directors Andrew and Nikki Clucas, was born with Coffin-Siris Syndrome after a random mutation in her SMARCB1 gene – which has left her with an abnormal brain, little or no eyesight, microcephaly, hypotonia and epilepsy.
The two-year-old is unlikely to ever walk and talk and will need 24-hour care for the entirety of her life, so all monies raised will go towards securing her a better future.
However, it was also discovered last year that she is one of a handful of people in the world to suffer from the PCDH12 mutation, which affects brain development.
Her eight-month old brother Charlie was born with the same underlying PCDH12 condition and his future is also likely to be as complex as Mia’s.
With that in mind, Laura – whose husband James Powell was best man at Andrew and Nikki’s wedding – is trying to raise even more money at this year’s ball.
To be held at Springfields Events Centre in Spalding on May 18, Laura is trying to sell 100 more tickets than last time. Priced at £70 per person, tickets include a three-course meal and a night full of entertainment.
She has already sold more than 90 tickets, but is hoping to sell the room out ahead of her April 1 deadline.
Laura, who lives in Horbling and went to school in Bourne, said: “The ball is all about everyone coming together to support the Clucas family.
“Every supplier and business – as per the 2018 ball – is local to the area to give the sense of community support to Andrew and Nikki.
“All proceeds go towards the Mia, Charlie and Me fund and, after the success of last year’s ball, I have decided to go bigger and better with the ability to cater for 190 guests as opposed to 90 last year.”
To book tickets, contact Laura Powell by email at [email protected] or call her on 07718 650067.
Laura is also keen to talk to anybody wishing to donate raffle prizes or auction prizes, while sponsorship packages are available too.
Visit www.uk.gofundme.com/mia-and-me to discover more about the Mia, Charlie and Me fund.
