A FORMAL ball for a dance school's 20th anniversary was held on Saturday, July 16 and raised more than £1,800 for a cancer charity.
Elaine Pygall's School of Dancing in Prudhoe celebrated 20 years of teaching in the local area and held a raffle to fundraise for Maggie's Newcastle at The Fed Brewery in Gateshead.
Elaine said: "The ball went really well - we had more than 200 people attend including ex-students and ex-teachers, family and friends, and we managed to raise £1,883.30 for Maggie's Newcastle."
Elaine's husband was diagnosed with leukaemia at the start of the pandemic, which is why she decided to help support the charity.
As Principal of the School, Elaine said she has seen her business increase over the 20 years, with more teaching staff and an expanded curriculum which now includes acrobatics and pilates.
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She said people partied on the dancefloor from 6pm on Saturday night, including the youngest members, right up until midnight.
"Maggie's offered us a home away from home within the hospital grounds when my husband was admitted to hospital and couldn't come home, and we even spent my son's 13th birthday in a private room there with extended family.
"They offer professional support, classes such as Tai Chi, or just someone to talk to," Elaine said.
Karen Verrill, Centre Head at Maggie's Newcastle said: "We are so grateful to Elaine and all at EPSOD for raising an incredible £1,883.30 at their 20th anniversary ball.
"We have fond memories of the family spending time in the centre and even hosting a small birthday party for their son Matthew."
Elaine said: "Anyone who is living with cancer and their families can go, and they are free to use the kitchen and other spaces such as the library, garden or terrace as their own.
"It meant a lot to my family when I didn't want my children seeing my husband on the hospital ward, and made them feel happy Dad was spending his time there while admitted to hospital," she said.
Karen added: "The donation will help us to support people affected by a cancer diagnosis in the North East and Cumbria, including family and friends.
"Our frontline team are trained cancer nurses with the time and expertise to listen to people's worries and guide them to the support or answers they need.
"You can simply come in. Our doors are open Monday to Friday, from 9am until 5pm and our kettle is always on."
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