Where dreams came true…

On Saturday 6th October, over 100 people gathered at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel, Manchester to raise over £4,450 for Gift of a Wedding (GOAW), at their inaugural Dream Makers Ball.

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This non-profit charity was created by founder PatriciaHarrison in 2012, after she was approached by a young man aged 27 who had just been told he had 14 months to live. Patricia alongside several other Greater Manchester suppliers donated their time and services, to an incredible young man battling brain cancer and his partner. As a result of planning this wedding Patricia quickly realised his case was not unique and that unfortunately there were others who needed similar support. This light bulb moment lead to the creation of Gift of a Wedding, whose sole purpose is gifting wedding services to terminally ill people across the UK.

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To help raise vital funds for the charity volunteers at Gift of a Wedding have spent the last 12 months working on The Dream Makers Ball to ensure all their plans fell into place perfectly, for what could be described as one of the most heart-warming events in Manchester. Suppliers from across the UK donated their services and products for the ball; from the venue dressing to the favours, from delicious melt in the mouth chocolates to specially made keepsakes and from photo booths to the entertainment.

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Once the room was set, guests started to arrive dressed to the nines and once inside they were treated to a glass of Prosecco whilst having the time to mingle among other guests, all eager to find out each other’s links with the charity. The guests included the charity’s friends, family, suppliers who donate their wedding services and past wedding recipients who wanted to celebrate their loved one’s memory, whilst remembering the most precious day they celebrated together, before their journeys took two different paths. You also had the pleasure of meeting Patricia and the amazing team of volunteers and trustees, who took the time to look after the needs of each guest during the evening.

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In addition, not to mention special host Emma Jesson, ITVWeather Presenter, who made sure the nights activities and events were expertly introduced, whilst encouraging everyone within the room to participate! From the game heads and tails to an auction filled with amazing prizes including a stunning diamond and gold heart shaped pendant and necklace and designed and created by Nikki Barratt of NB Jewellers especially for the ball and worth £2,800!

Guests also had the opportunity to listen to Sue France (Patron)and Andrea Worsley (Trustee) as they talked through their experiences of losing a loved one and how for one day, the sadness and talk of imminent death of their loved one was replaced by celebration and joy. After listening to these amazing women, it was clear to see the impact of the work the charity carries out ; there was not a dry eye in the house.

Patricia stated, “We’re overwhelmed by the support from everyone with our first Dream Makers Ball and the money raised from this year’s event will go towards building our future as a charity. Thank you to each and every person who attended this year’s event and made it the success it was.”

If this year’s event is anything to go by, we can’t wait to see what the charity have in store for next year!

For more information, please call Patricia Harrison on 07837681712

Note to editors:Pictures available on request

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