Hundreds of people turned out for a fantastic night of fun and fundraising at the Phez on Friday 3rd June with the staggering sum of £6,000 raised on the evening to go towards Jo Halford’s radical and pioneering treatment for MS.
Local businesses donated prizes for the raffle and auction which was run by David Brettell. Everyone dug deep to bid on items including V Festival tickets, a microlight flight, Superbike Championship Tickets and an apartment in Turkey. The Trio and Probably Roy played on the evening and Paul Quinn rustled up steak sandwiches and signature cocktails for all to enjoy.
Jo was diagnosed with MS in 1997 and now has to use crutches or her wheelchair constantly however hope may be on the horizon with a new alternative treatment. Special Activated Autologous Mesenchymal Stromal Fraction Cells Treatment; this is a scientifically demonstrated and confirmed treatment for not only stopping MS in its tracks but also reversing the damage it has already caused too.
Jo’s own stem cells will be harvested, enriched with growth, cytokines and other cell’s active factors, mixed with plasma prepared from Jo’s venous blood then reintroduced to help rejuvenate her immune system.
What this treatment means is huge for Jo, she will be able to go back to walking unaided and allow her to enjoy life again with her family and friends. It will allow her to do all the things in life that you and I may take for granted – going shopping, travelling, taking her youngest son to football and for walks and I know it will ease the agonising trip up two flights of stairs at work every day.
This treatment is still many years away from being offered as a treatment in the UK however there is a reputable medical facility in Moscow where Jo has been approved for this treatment. There is no funding however and the total cost of this life changing treatment, travel and aftercare will be upwards of £30,000.
Jo Halford said: “I am overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity and kindness”
Organiser Paige Jefferies said: “We raised a fantastic £6,000 for Jo’s fund and a huge thank you goes to all the local businesses who donated auction and raffle prizes, Paul Quinn at the Phez for hosting the event, my colleagues at TLM Marketing for helping out on the night and all of you that came along and dug deep for this wonderful cause.”
Raffle tickets were drawn on the evening but not all prizes have been collected. The winning numbers and the prizes are on display in The Phez and all winners have been contacted.
Whilst £6,000 makes a significant dent in the £30,000 target the fundraising continues. To donate please visit www.gofundme.com/johalford
