ACT in the news...
"Ascot Charity Ball"
The Virginia Water Villager - April 2005
A miracle rescue three years ago kickstarted an annual fundraiser which has raised thousands of pounds for local and national charities.
The Ascot Charity Ball was the brainchild of local businessman Alan Carr, of Carr's of Ascot estate agency.
The idea came about after his friend, Anne Pallas of Wargrave, collapsed on her way out shopping after suffering from a heart attack.
The emergency services called the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance which was close by.
The helicopter landed in a neighbour's garden and paramedics revived Mrs Pallas, who had been clinically dead for 11 minutes.
Mr Carr said: "It was a miracle that they were so close by, and thanks to them Anne is alive and well today. The first ball was in aid of the Air Ambulance to say a big thank you."
This years ball on May 7th will be held in a marquee at the Royal Berkshire Hotel and will be compered by former Miss World compere, Peter Marshall.
ACT hopes to raise more than £50,000 for Ascot Alzheimers, the baby unit at Heatherwood Hospital, the North Ascot Neighbourhood Scheme and BEN, as well as its main 2005 charity, SPARKS.
Sports Aiding Medical Research for Kids (SPARKS) helps to fund pioneering research which helps children to be born and stay healthy.
Celebrity guests who have pledged their support include England's World Cup Rugby Captain and Leicester player Martin Johnson CBE.
Martin has been a long term SPARKS patron and in 1995 was chosen as charity president.
Martin said: "I'm tremendously grateful to the Ascot Charitable Trust for their continued support for SPARKS and making us their leading charity at this year's event."
Martin's ties with SPARKS were reinforced when his wife Kay suffered from the potentially life-threatening condition pre-eclampsia while pregnant with her baby daughter, Molly.
Pre-eclampsia is just one of the many conditions to benefit from SPARKS research. Martin added: "The money raised will make an invaluable contribution to the pioneering research projects we fund with the aim of helping all babies be born healthy and stay healthy and hopefully, be able to share in the joy of taking part in sports themselves."
Martin will be joined by celebrity chef Ainsley Harriot, soccer tough guy turned Hollywood star Vinnie Jones, television sports anchorwoman Gabby Logan, racing legend and commentator Johnny Francome and broadcasting veteran Jimmy Hill.
Mr Carr explained:"It will be a star studded and glamourous black tie affair, which includes a champagne reception, three course meal, a variety of entertainment and live and silent auctions."
The top auction prize at this year's ball is a transatlantic return flight for two to New York. The top bidders will enjoy champagne and silver service on the chartered twinjet Airbus, which would normally cost £100,000.
Mr Carr said:"There is a range of items, something that everyone can bid for. It is a really great and enjoyable evening which gets people coming back year after year. Not only is it a truly glamourous night out, it is raising money for a number of good causes."
