Oundle School fund-raising Masquerade Ball

  • 11 years ago
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On Saturday 29 September, Sixth formers from Oundle School enjoyed a charity fund-raising Masquerade Ball, which raised over £2000 for Harrison’s Fund, a charity set up by old Oundelian, Alex Smith, whose son Harrison has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Girls in the frame at Oundle Masquerade BallPupil organiser, Ellie Taverner (18) commented, “I wanted to organise an event with a difference; a night that would impress Sixth formers whilst making a hefty profit. After six weeks of intense party planning including arranging a table plan which pleased two-hundred and fifty people and buying eighty aluminous balloons and canisters of helium online, the day arrived. Two hours before the opening, the sound system wouldn’t work, the projector didn’t have the necessary cords and the balloons were sagging and bursting in the tea-lights. However when the guests arrived wearing beautiful masks, new dresses and smart suits, everything fell into place.”

Alex’s six year old son Harrison is a charming, adorable boy who looks completely healthy on the outside but sadly inside he is struggling. By the time he is a teenager, Harrison will lose the ability to walk and ultimately he will lose all muscle function in his body. Children with Duchenne are unlikely to reach their early twenties and pass away due to heart or respiratory failure.

The charity’s goal is simple; to stop Duchenne or at least find a way to slow it down significantly.

Ellie added, “For the very first time there may be a chance of a major breakthrough as scientists over the past few years have made significant steps in gene therapy and molecular medicine. Putting as much money as possible into the hands of the world’s best researchers is the mission of Harrison’s Fund’s and it was this challenge which I wanted to help achieve. I want to thank all the staff and pupils who helped to make the event a great success.”

Alex commented, “What a fantastic event! I am so touched by the way the pupils have responded to my appeal. I hope to visit Oundle in a year and let them know how the School has helped to ‘make time’ and move science forward."

For more information about Harrison’s Fund visit www.harrisonsfund.com

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