An annual charity ball has raised £11,000 for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).
Money raised at the Big Top Ball, held at Wynyard Hall in County Durham, will go to support the charity’s three aircraft which fly around 1,000 missions every year.
More than 200 guests enjoyed a three-course dinner and circus entertainment from clowns, Marko and Tommy Bungle, acrobatic dance from Kathleen Davis Stage School in Sunderland and a display of hula-hoop skills from a former pupil at the school, Emma-Louise McRoy.
GNAAS patron, ITV’s Pam Royle, hosted the evening and auctioneer, Mike Walker, took bids on lots including a behind-the-scenes tour with Alan Shearer at Match of the Day, a skydive for two, and Michael McIntyre tickets.
After the auction, Ruby’s Runawayz of Carlisle, performed a set of 50s and 60s tracks, followed by a disco and silent disco. Carnival stalls included tin can alley and a coconut shy, as well as candy floss, popcorn, a photo booth and tarot card reader to add to the fun throughout the night.
Ruth Davey, of GNAAS, who organised the event, said: “We welcomed new and existing supporters, former patients, doctors and paramedics alike who all came together to enjoy a brilliant evening of circus amusement. The funds we raised were through tickets sales, donations on the night, and the proceeds from the raffle, tombola and auction prizes.
“We would like to thank everyone who supported the event and all who came.”
Guest, Chris Donoghue, from Redcar, said: “It was a brilliant evening. Everyone looked so glamorous and got in to the charity spirit. It was certainly a night to remember.”
Among the guests were Sir John Hall of Wynyard, Duncan Bannatyne OBE, Ian Payne of ITV Tyne Tees and the Moffatt family of Channel 4’s Gogglebox.
The Cumbria version of the Big Top Ball will take place at the Crown and Mitre in Carlisle on Saturday 5 December.
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