Friends of A ball

When I was looking back through my rose year, I realised I hadn't written a blog post on one of my favourite events from my year - the 'friends of a' charity ball.

The charity ball was held over in Dublin, so it meant that I got to get on that plane all over again! It was held to raise money to fund ongoing research into cranial aneurysms in memory of the 2010 Texas Rose of Tralee, Adrienne Hussey.

'Friends of A' aims to work with the CABER team at the University of Limerick who have an extensive history in aneurysm research in diagnostic rupture behaviour involving the use of both solid and fluid mechanics tools and has been involved in recent international studies of blood flow behaviour in cranial aneurysms. They aim to complete a research programme to investigate new methods of diagnosis and treatment.

The ball was a fabulous night, supported by roses and escorts from all years, and it was a great way for us all to bond. There was a beautiful meal put on for us all, and then entertainment such as a fabulous band and raffle.

The charity ball, along with all the other fundraising the friends of A team had done raised over 30,000 euro which was their target for the four year process, and this means that much more research can be done to try and prevent aneurysms.

I had a brilliant night dancing and singing with the 2013 roses and escorts and even better was that it was all for such a brilliant cause :-)
To find out more about the friends of A charity please go to: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfA/info where a link can also be found if you would like to donate to this fabulous cause.

 With the Sunderland Rose - Collette Hesketh and rose escort Denis English

 with the Waterford Rose, Sunderland rose and Cavan Rose

Me and the Sunderland Rose ready for the ball

Charity Wax Off

On February 21st I held a charity wax night at home. I had 5 men take part, two having back waxes and the other three having leg waxes - all to support the Maggie's centre in Nottingham - which is a fabulous centre which gives help and support to people suffering with cancer and their families. The charity is extremely close to my heart and I was so excited to raise over £350 for the charity from the sponsored waxes.
The night was a brilliant laugh - not so much for the men who were squealing for but everyone watching - and everyone knew it was for a great cause.
A massive thank you to the men who volunteered to take part, your all stars and to everyone who sponsored them. The money raised will make a big difference to a brilliant charity.

 With the volunteers : to donate £3 text MAGGIES to 70111

 Michael Half way through his wax

With my volunteers all finished :-)