NINE brides, several bridesmaids, a host of ball gowns and suits that would make James Bond envious – guests were true to the theme of a Wear It Again charity ball at Alton Maltings Centre.

The wedding reception-themed event attracted some 80 guests and raised more than £2,700 for Sands and ACT for SMA last on October 1.

Organisers Katherine Guenioui, Laura White, Alison Phillips and Lauren White were thrilled with how well the night went.

“It just couldn’t have gone any better,” said Katherine. “We made lots of money and raised the profile of these two important charities.”

Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity, is a cause close to the hearts of Katherine and Alison, both of whom were supported by it after the stillbirth of their children. As well as providing facilities and emotional support, Sands is also undertaking research to try to bring down the rate of stillbirth, which at one in 200 pregnancies is still very high in the UK.

Trustees from the charities were in attendance at the ball, which helped to raise the profile of this little known charity. ACT for SMA offers support to families dealing with a diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy type 1, a life-limiting condition that affects babies and toddlers. The organisers became aware of the charity when Eilys Hartley, daughter of Katherine’s best friend, Emma, was diagnosed with it.

Katherine said: “ACT for SMA were instrumental in helping Emma and her family make the very most of the short time they had with Eilys between her diagnosis in December 2015 and her death in June this year, just two weeks after her first birthday. ACT continue to support the Hartleys as they adjust to life without their precious daughter.”

She added: “Small charities like this don’t get enough support, so I’m thrilled we were able to raise some much-needed funds for them in Eilys’s memory.”

In addition to the funds raised at the ball Emma Hartley, has so far raised a further £1,300 in sponsorship by travelling the 245 miles from her home in Crewe to Alton on public transport wearing a wedding dress. More than 130 people sponsored her.

On the night, guests ate a three-course dinner and were treated to entertainment by nine-piece band KeyNoteBlue and a DJ, for that true wedding reception feel. Between courses and after dinner a photo booth to and You Deserve This’s professional photo studio recoreded events. The raffle was well supported as more than thirty prizes were put up for grabs.

“Alton Maltings was the perfect venue for a wonderful ball,” said Katherine. “We were so well supported by the team there, and by all the wonderful suppliers who gave so generously to the cause. We couldn’t have done it without them. Party Nibbles, The Bespoke Bar Company, White Knight Entertainments, Steele Memories Photography, Hampshire Catering Hire and all the other suppliers were so fantastic.

“It was a real local effort and a huge success. We’re already talking about what to do next!”