Back in February 2001, Rebecca Bates was born at Heartlands Hospital. She arrived 17 weeks early, weighing just 1lb 6oz, and spent the first months of her life on the Neonatal Unit at Heartlands Hospital, fighting for her life.
Eighteen years on, her parents Adrian and Paula decided to celebrate her birthday by hosting a fundraising ball, and set themselves the challenge of raising £18,000.

Rebecca’s Legends Ball took place on Saturday 9 February, with 380 tickets sold for the glamorous event, hosted at the Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport. Thanks to the incredible generosity of those present on the evening, and countless people who helped organise the event and those who donated prizes, Rebecca’s Legends Ball raised an astonishing £19,031.16.

The fundraising family pictured at Rebecca's Legends Ball

Adrian said: “It was a wonderful evening, we had the support of so many people and I could have sold the event out three times over! It was incredible to see so many people coming together to raise money for the Neonatal Unit, which has always been a cause that is close to my heart.”

The Ball was a great success, with wonderful food, exciting entertainment including performances from Elton John, Madonna and George Michael tribute acts, and an auction and raffle featuring amazing prizes.

After the dinner, the guests were show a video which Adrian had put together, which told Rebecca’s story, you can watch this video here:

Rebecca was given just a 17% chance of survival, but thanks to the incredible work of the team on the Neonatal Unit, and countless treatments including 30 blood transfusions, an eye operation and a heart operation Rebecca fought on and grew stronger. After seven months of treatment, Rebecca was able to go home.

Amongst the guests present on the evening was Heartlands Hospital Neonatal Consultant Richard Mupanemunda, who was instrumental in saving Rebecca’s life in the months she spent on the unit. Richard spoke movingly about his memories of the time, and the small chance that Rebecca was given of surviving after she was born.

Last week, Rebecca, Adrian and Paula made the trip to Heartlands Hospital to present the cheque to Dr Richard and learn more about where the money that they have raised will be spent.

Dr Richard explained that Heartlands Hospital Charity is currently fundraising for seven new, state-of-the-art incubators for the unit, that will replace the older models currently used. Dr Richard said: “The new incubators will provide the very best care for the vulnerable babies that we treat on the unit. The incubators allow clinical staff to carry out examinations and treatments on the baby, with minimum disruption and loss of temperature.”

Rebecca with the Neonatal Team and the incubator that their donation has funded

The money raised from Rebecca’s Legends Ball will fund one of these new incubators, and will create a lasting legacy for babies just like Rebecca who require the round-the-clock care that the Neonatal team provide.

Adrian said: “It is fantastic to know that the money we have raised has helped to provide one of these amazing new incubators. We are all incredible proud to support the work of the Neonatal team, and the new incubators will allow them to provide the very best care possible for babies on the ward.

“I want to thank everyone who helped make Rebecca’s Legends Ball such a success, thanks to your generosity we have been able to make a huge difference.”

Sabrina Hussaine, Fundraising Officer at Heartlands Hospital Charity, said: “The Charity’s thanks go to Adrian, Paula, Rebecca, and everyone who helped to organise this incredible event. It sounded like everyone had a wonderful night, and the fundraising total is incredible.

“The money that they have raised will help to give the best care possible to tiny, vulnerable babies at Heartlands Hospital, helping to make it one of the best neonatal units in the country.

“It is a wonderful way to give back for the treatment that Rebecca received all of those years ago, and on behalf of the Charity and everyone at Heartlands Hospital Neonatal Unit I would like to wish Rebecca and her family the very best for the future.”

Adrian and Paula wanted to pass on their thanks to the following people and organisations who donated prizes, time and money to the Ball:

Bruce Henderson and Wayne Ollernshaw of the VW Van Centre Birmingham, who donated a toy car for auction.

Laura Faragher of VILLA PLUS who donated a week’s holiday and four flights

Andy and Jo Matthews of Crescent Press who donated all print and media for the event

Richard and Becky Goudling, who donated all the staging and production build, the boxing glove and Blues prize

Darrenn Swann of Ebuygumm who sponsored the event and donated raffle prizes

And all of the pubs around the Birmingham area who have helped to raise money for the Ball.

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