£22k raised for neonatal units at The Great Western Hospital, Swindon and The Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading at New Life's World Prematurity Ball at Newbury Racecourse

More than £22,000 has been raised at a Newbury charity ball, to support premature babies.

The staggering amount was raised for New Life at its last social event of the year – a World Prematurity Ball at The Owners Club, Newbury Racecourse on Saturday, November 19.

The event was attended by 200 guests including regular supporters, fundraisers and some staff from the special baby care units at The Great Western Hospital, Swindon and The Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading.

The charity, which raises money for specialist medical equipment that increases the chances of survival for many premature and seriously ill babies, was set up by Trevor Goodall.

Following the death of his prematurely born twin boys Joshua and Samuel in 1995, Mr Goodall set up New Life and has since raised over £1 million to help neonatal units across the UK.

Following the latest fundraising event, he said: “I have been overwhelmed by the kindness of people. I am so proud of what we do and am determined to make it to the £2m, particularly now that we are working with a number of high-profile supporters including professional darts player and local lad, Luke Humphries.

“Bringing so many friends, family, supporters and sponsors together on an evening such as this, just enforces my determination to keep going. The day I walked out of the hospital without my boys was the saddest day of my life. From that moment on I vowed I would do all I could to help other families with a premature baby.”

The money was raised by donations, sponsorship, a raffle and an auction, which included a luxury holiday, a day’s fly fishing, a helicopter ride and a spa day and raised £13.5k.

Comedian Aaron James compered the evening and auction while also keeping everyone entertained.

During their speech, the neonatal nurses from both hospitals described how the charity had helped so many tiny babies who, without access to vital specialist equipment, may not have made it.

The charity has funded a number of key pieces of equipment in 2022 including a criticool machine which ensures premature babies’ brains can be cooled at birth, minimising the risk of complications, as well as a specialist incubator for transporting the sickest babies to specialist hospitals.

Plans for 2023 are now underway with some new events on the fundraising calendar.