THEA’S Trust is holding its first annual Sportsman’s Dinner and Charity Ball in Harrogate on Friday, November 28.

Taking place at the Crown Hotel, the event will raise vital funds for Thea’s Trust, a charity helping to support families with children diagnosed with MPS disease.

Richard Paterson, founder of Thea’s Trust, who is general manager of The Crescent in Ilkley said: “My wife Samantha and I formed Thea’s Trust after our youngest daughter, Thea, was diagnosed with MPS I Hurler Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that effects 10 in a million children.”

Symptoms of MPS appear in children aged between seven months and three years old. At this point, children affected with the disease begin to lose their ability to walk, talk and all the other things children their age would normally do. The disease is extremely aggressive and affects all neurological function, meaning a life expectancy of just nine or ten years.

Richard added: “Tragically Thea passed away in May and we are doing everything in our power to raise awareness of MPS disease and help other families who have been affected. To date we have raised £30,000 through various fundraising events and the release of ‘Keep the Candle Burning’ – an official charity song dedicated to Thea.”

Thea’s Trust Sportman’s Dinner and Charity Ball is an evening to celebrate Thea’s life and raise money for Thea’s Trust with an auction, silent auction and raffle held by Impulse Decisions. Prizes include flights to Las Vegas with Virgin Atlantic and signed played-in rugby boots from England's Jason Robson (England and Lions) amongst others.

Guests will enjoy a champagne reception, three-course meal and performances from White Diamond Entertainment. Harrogate boy Jonathan Skinner and two members of the London Philharmonic Orchestra will perform the official Thea’s Trust charity single ‘Keep the Candle Burning’ followed by live music and a disco until the early hours.

A limited number of tables of ten are available costing £750 and individual tickets are £75 per person.

Special thanks go to headline sponsor CNG Ltd and Ilkley Brewery and LBP sponsoring the champagne reception and table wine respectively.

For more details please visit www.theastrust.co.uk (registered charity no:1158051).