THE famous Moulin Rouge was the theme of a ball held in aid of the Guardian Angels children’s high dependency unit at York Hospital.

The event was held on Saturday night at York Racecourse’s Voltigeur Suite and was organised by Peter Bebb and Maureen Augey.

Mr Bebb said he did not know yet how much money had been raised, but expected it to be in the region of £1,500 to £2,000.

Guests were treated to a sparkling reception, followed by a four-course dinner, raffle, auction and disco.

The star raffle prize was for travel to and accommodation in Paris plus tickets for a meal and show at the real Moulin Rouge.

In true Parisian style, entertainment was provided by can-can dancers from the Bettany School Of Dance, Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra and two burlesque dancers from Jeepers Peepers.

Mr Bebb said: “It went really, really well.

“As far as I know, everybody had a fabulous time but we have to give credit to the dancers.

“The Bettany School Of Dance were out of this world. They did a routine and then got people on the dance floor and it really set the night up. The meal was fabulous, there were quite a lot of comments about how nice it was, and people have said it was the best ball they had been to.”

The event raised cash for the new children’s high dependency unit at York Hospital. Since readers of The Press reached the appeal’s £300,000 target last October, a further £26,000 has flooded into the fund’s coffers. But more is always needed for the upkeep of the unit.

Mr Bebb said: “The idea now is to continue to provide the ward with much-needed equipment.

“We want to raise money to develop children’s high-dependency care at York Hospital to allow even more sick children to be treated here in York rather than be transferred elsewhere.”

. .

Photo 1: Can-can dancers from The Bettany School of Dance in South Milford add a splash of colour to the Guardian Angels ball at York Racecourse
Photo 2: Members from Play Scheme and Crest Wedding Cars
Photo 3: Adrian Bebb, Emily Honey, Emily Augey and Michelle Simpkins

Story and photos by kind permission of The Press.