We had a ball - and raised a staggering amount to help heart patients

With a headline performance by Chesney Hawkes, appearances by charity patrons Jill Scott MBE and Faye Tozer and plenty of glitz and glamour, this year’s Red Sky Ball raised a staggering £180,960 for the heart health charity.

Held at the Stadium of Light on Friday, March 27, the ball was attended by more than 800 guests from across the UK.

As well as music and entertainment, there was speeches from heart surgeons, Northumbria Police and families positively impacted from the charity’s mission. 

Music legend Chesney Hawkes took to the stage, delivering a singalong set, including the classic The One and Only.

The charity has just celebrated its sixth year. In addition to placing over 1,500 public access defibrillators in communities and donating 300 to grassroots sports teams, last year also saw a landmark achievement in partnership with Northumbria Police.

In June, they became the first police force in the UK to have access to a defibrillator in every single response vehicle, an initiative made possible by the support of donors and funds raised at last year’s Red Sky Ball.

“We are overjoyed by the incredible turnout and generosity shown at this year’s Red Sky Ball,” said Sergio Petrucci MBE, founder of the Red Sky Foundation. “It’s the highlight of our packed calendar of fundraising events and it’s always wonderful to see our supporters celebrating our success and the impact we are making.

“We’re all so grateful to everyone who champions our work and we’re already planning ahead to next year’s event.”

The Foundation raises vital funds for babies, children and adults, who are born with or develop heart conditions and who are in need of cardiac care, by providing lifelong support to them and their families.

It also provides life-saving defibrillators for local schools and public spaces, working with local education and council representatives, as well as delivering training on defibrillator use and CPR.