Andrew Goacher, Francesca Hall, Alma Stewart and Paul O’Brien
A charity evening is being held this December, following its success last year.
The Butterfly Ball is being organised by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust nurse and Dementia Champion, Francesca Maria Chiappe Hall and Clinical Change Facilitator, Andrew Goacher.
The proceeds from the event will go to the Trust’s charity, Blue Skies Hospitals Fund for its Peace of Mind appeal which aims to enhance the care patients living with dementia receive across the Trust.
The Trust is working towards each ward having standard elements of dementia-friendly environments and resources.
The Ball is inspired by the Butterfly Scheme – a national initiative to identify patients living with dementia in a sensitive and discreet way, founded by Barbara Hodkinson.
Francesca said: “Last year’s ball was fantastic we had brilliant feedback and lots of support.
“We want this to continue as an annual event so that we can raise money to make all areas of the hospital dementia friendly, including the development of a dementia- friendly garden at the Blackpool Victoria site.
“We need as much support from people and businesses as possible.”
Andrew said: “Dementia is a very hot topic at the minute. It affects so many people both directly and indirectly living with dementia at any given time.
“We are making every effort to ensure that these patients have the best possible experience while under our care by ensuring that the environment is safe and dementia-friendly.
“We are hoping that anyone and everyone from the Fylde coast will get on board with this event and we are looking for help and assistance, whether it is to buy a table of tickets, donate raffle prizes, sponsor our event or simply raise the awareness of the event. In fact anything that helps will be gratefully appreciated.”
Entertainment will be provided by local band, Touch the Pearl. There will also be a raffle, photographer, games, a special Blue Skies cocktail and a butterfly-themed pudding. Guests will be greeted by special ‘Butterfly Girls’ courtesy of My Stage Company
The evening will be hosted by local DJ, Paul O’Brien, and Trust Communications Officer Alma Stewart – both former Pontin’s Bluecoats.
The Butterfly Ball is being held in the Royal Suite of the Hilton Hotel, North Promenade, Blackpool on Friday, December 1 at 7pm.
Tickets cost £40 and are available from the Blue Skies Hospitals Fund office on the main corridor at Blackpool Victoria Hospital; Ward 3 at Clifton Hospital, Pershore Road, Lytham St Annes.
If you would like to help with raffle prizes, sponsorship or in any other way, please email: francescamariachiappehall88@hotmail.co.uk or Andrew.Goacher@bfwhospitals.nhs.uk
You can also get updates by following @teambutterfly0 on Twitter and teambutterfly26 on Instagram and Facebook – Friends of Butterfly Ball in aid of Peace of Mind Dementia Appeal.