Pictured above: From Left to Right - Roger Dakin, Ian
Bell, Andrew Colville and Tim Venner (photo by Helen
Randle Photography)
England cricketers Ian Bell MBE, Jonathan Trott and Chris Woakes
were among the guests at a charity dinner, which raised more than
£8,500 to help families affected by a rare and
life-threatening skin condition.
The event, which took place at Birmingham's Hippodrome, raised
money for DebRA, which provides care and support for people
affected by the genetic skin blistering condition Epidermolysis
Bullosa (EB). The dinner was also held in support of Ian Bell's
testimonial year.
Tim Venner, from Birmingham-based financial services firm Jobson
James, which organised and sponsored the event, said: "If you've
ever seen, or heard of children and adults suffering from EB,
you'll know the pain and suffering not only affects them, but puts
enormous strain on their family and carers. We were delighted to
lend our help and support to DebRA."
EB is thought to affect one in 17,000 live births, and there are
currently around 5,000 people living with the condition in the UK.
DebRA supports families affected by EB and provides a team of
specialist nurses to provide care and advice.
The charity is currently running a campaign to raise awareness
of EB across the Midlands, and of the support work that the
organisation is involved in.
Andrew Colville, Senior Events Manager at DebRA, said:
"Birmingham Children's Hospital and Solihull Hospital are two of
the UK's four key centres for the treatment of EB, so it is great
to know that everyone who attended this event in Birmingham has
learnt a little about the work we do, and why support in the
Midlands is so vital.
"This was an excellent, superbly organised event. We cannot
thank everyone enough for their hard work and the support we
received", he added.
The dinner included a charity auction, with prizes donated by
Edmunds Fine Dining, Aston Villa FC, Jobson James, Standley &
Co, Alex Rushmer (Master Chef runner-up) and Ian Bell. It was
attended and supported by many leading companies in the West
Midlands, including Wragge & Co, I.M.I plc, KPMG llp,
Handelsbanken, Harris Lamb and Williams de Broe.
The Midlands Appeals Council of DebRA, which is a group of
voluntary business people, is organising several events throughout
2011. Anyone interested in finding out how they can help or
supporting DebRA should contact email
tim.venner@charles-stanley.co.uk.