Baby-loss couple to stage charity event

CHARITY ball: (l-r) Cora Mae, Darren, Evie and Vicki

AN Oldham couple who lost their baby in tragic circumstances have organised a masquerade ball to raise money for charity.

Darren and Vicki Mayers of Averon Rise, Moorside, whose son Toby was stillborn in January, 2010, are hoping to raise £5,000 to donate to the Stillborn and Neonatal Death Society.

Vicki said: “We wanted to help other people going through the same situation we found ourselves in.”

The masquerade ball, on October 28 at Smokies Park Hotel in Bardsley, includes an auction selling sports memorabilia and a raffle, with donated prizes including a signed ball from Manchester United, a tour of Manchester city’s Etihad stadium and a family ticket to any Oldham Athletic game.

The couple did a triathlon fund-raiser last year which raised £3,900, and this year wanted to do something anyone could take part in.

The pair, both 36, teamed up with Elite Wedding Design to organise the ball. The money will go towards the £25,000 needed to build a SANDS room at the new maternity suite at the Royal Oldham Hospital.

Vicki suffers from Hughes Syndrome which increases blood clots and the chance of miscarriage — but gave birth to a healthy girl, Cora Mae, in December.

200 of the £30 tickets have already been sold, so more have been added. Info from the couple by email at: dmayers1975@yahoo.co.uk.