CHARITY ADVENTURE

Next month, Pirates Adventure in Magalluf will be holding its annual charity premiere with all funds raised this year going to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Last year the event raised 30'000 euros - this year the target is 50'000.
Matt Forrest, head of GOSH's fund raising department said that since Pirates held the charity gala for GOSH last year, a wonderful relationship has developed between the hospital, its patients, their families and Majorca. “Every pound or euro helps us and what Pirates is doing is very important because, apart from the significant amount of money raised, it also enables some of child patients and their families to get away to Majorca for a week and have a wonderful holiday. “It helps the family relax and is also very therapeutic for the kids. “All of those who went to Majorca and the premiere last year have kept in touch with the Pirates cast and crew and many are going back this year for a holiday,” he said.

GOSH's patients are aged between 4 and 16 and come from all over the UK and overseas.
The hospital is about to embark on a major improvement project to bring the entire hospital into the 21st century. “We need to raise £150 million over the next five years,” Matt said. “Apart from the improvement work and rebuilding to about 45 percent of the hospital, we have to cover the costs of upkeep, research and equipment. “So, every single charity event counts. “We want to be treating 20'000 more children per year by 2009,” he added.
This year six child patients and their families are being brought down to the island for the event.
One is 16-year-old Debbie Ward who was the hospital's first heart transplant patient. “She's now as bright as a button and the whole family are really excited about the trip to Majorca.” The gala premiere is made all the more special because of the host of top celebrities attending the event which will include Daniella Westbrook, Melinda Messenger, Kerry Mcfadden, Laurence Llewelyn Bowen and Tannia Bryer.