Chris shares why she hosted a Dinner and Casino Night on behalf of the Addison's Disease Self Help Group (ADSHG) and how the charity has helped her family since her son was diagnosed with Addison's. A huge thank you to Chris and all who attended to support her in raising funds for emergency injection research.

Since my son was diagnosed with Addison’s in January 2017, I became a member of the ADSHG. It was important that I learned more about this rare disease and could therefore support my son.

I have helped the ADSHG at several endocrine conferences to raise awareness as well as learn for myself. As a former Medical Representative for a pharmaceutical company, I enjoy talking to Doctors and Nurses. Last year, I was asked if I would like to become a Trustee for the charity. I felt immensely honoured and agreed immediately!

I started by hosting with my husband a 'Family Matters' Zoom meeting for ADSHG parents and young people - this was a fantastic experience, allowing us to connect and share experiences and support. I really enjoy organising events, so I made this a priority for 2023. 

Fundraising for emergency injection research

When I decided to organise the Dinner and Casino Night six months ago, I did not expect to raise quite so much money! I am so pleased to let you know that £5,881.30 was raised at the charity Dinner and Casino Night in Cardiff on Saturday 22 April 2023.  

The evening was a James Bond themed evening called ‘Casino Royale’. A lovely 3-course dinner was served after Dom Hargreaves, the Chair of the ADSHG, welcome speech. A surprise guest ‘M’ (a Dame Judi Dench lookalike!) contacted us by video-link. She gave everyone in the room the mission of raising money for the Addison’s Disease Self-Help Group. Dom was the most enthusiastic auctioneer I must say!  

Charity auction

I was both surprised and humbled by the generosity of those who donated the auction lots and raffle prizes. We had so many raffle items that we decided to create nine big hampers; beautifully presented in baskets or presentation boxes, wrapped in cellophane and tied with ribbons in the ADSHG colours.   

Of the auction items, the signed Arsenal shirt attracted the greatest amount of interest. Thanks to Ben White, Defender for the ‘Gunners’, and his family who got the shirt to me in good time to then send it on to the framing shop before the event. A huge £1,000 was the winning bid! The Manchester City package was another great auction item. Dr Steve Kell, a Trustee of the ADSHG, drove all the way from Doncaster to Cardiff in the hope that he would be the winning bidder and he left Cardiff the next day a very happy man! The winning bid was £600!  

The other auction items included; a race day track experience, a trio of Langham’s wines, 3-course lunch at The Shard, London, a magnum of Pol Roger Champagne, an original painting created specifically for this event by local artist Kevin Corbin, a luxury picnic hamper with champagne, and a DFS voucher. In addition, the sale of raffle tickets raised more than £700. A massive amount considering that only 51 people were at the event. There were also some private donations.  

Casino Royale

Once the fundraising was over, everyone took their ‘fun’ money to the Roulette and Blackjack tables in exchange for ‘chips’. I was overwhelmed with comments from so many people saying: “You must invite us to this again” and “I have had such an amazing evening. Thank you for organising this fabulous event”. The casino ended with the person holding the most chips winning a bottle of champagne and the winner’s trophy!   

Thank you!

To conclude, I would like to thank Professor Aled Rees and his wife who attended the evening. For him to give up his precious time to attend our event means so much to me and the ADSHG. I would also like to thank Dr Steve Kell (Trustee), Dr Alun Evans and Dr Massouri for giving up their precious time to support the event. Finally, a big THANK YOU to Dom Hargreaves for agreeing to be my MC for the evening! You were brilliant!    

From all at the ADSHG, we would like to thank Chris and all who supported her event. All proceeds from this event will go to the ADSHG for emergency injection research. Thank you for helping to advance this research and help improve the lives of those living with Addison’s and adrenal insufficiency. 

Author: Chris ADSHG Trustee

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