A "wonderful" North East charity that supports young people with brain injuries held a glitzy gala ball at Newcastle's Crowne Plaza hotel last weekend - and Dame Joan Collins provided stardust by sending a poignant message.
Dame Joan - whose own daughter Katy has a brain injury - sent a message celebrating the young people with brain injuries and their families who were at the event, and also donated a prize to the fundraising auction. Brainbox's chief executive Julie Cordon estimated the night had raised a vital £15,000 for the charity's coffers.
In her message, Dame Joan said: "I have been a founding member of Brainbox charity since 2011. Thank you all for being here tonight. Brian injury has affected me and my family very severely and I know what it is like to have to live and care for survivors.
"Therefore it's so important that we support this charity and continue its incredible work throughout the years. We are helping children with brain injuries and their families who so often have no other means of support."
Dame Joan then welcomed the young people and families affected by brain injuries. Many were at the gala event and spoke of how it was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a very special evening.
Diane Fairgrieve, mum to Kaelin, 17, said: "It has been absolutely fabulous. Brainbox are brilliant, they offer so much support not just for the young person but for families and siblings. There are things like nights away, a dads group. We are always blown away by what they do. It's not just support for the child with a disability but for everyone. The support is wonderful.
"This was the first ball we have attended and it was wonderful because children who face challenges and have neurological disabilities don't get the opportunities like this to dress up and go to an event like that. It's a wonderful way to see the support here for the charity from many sources."
Julie - who heads up the charity - added: "We are North East based and we support children who have a brain injury or another serious neurological condition. We have been going 13 years - and we don't receive any statutory funding, instead relying on applying for funding grants and events like the ball to raise money.
"We haven't yet got a final total but we think we've raised more than £15,000. We had people from all over the country support us and lots of businesses too. The fundraising means we'll be able to move forward with some exciting projects."
The ball, which this year was Abba-themed, was hosted by Smooth Radio star Steve Colman. Brainbox runs support groups, drop-in services and groups for children and young adults with brain injuries and neurological conditions.
It works with organisations such as Headway Northumberland and is looking to expand the support it offers across someone's lifetime.
To get in touch with Brainbox, to ask for support, volunteer or offer support, someone can contact Julie on 07552101559 or at juliemcordon@gmail.com.
