Businesses from across the Black Country have helped raise more than £15,000 for The Dudley Group NHS Charity, supporting plans to introduce an interactive MRI rocket scanner designed to make hospital visits less daunting for young patients.
The Dudley Group NHS Charity, part of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, hosted its sixth annual Glitter Ball this week at the Copthorne Hotel in Dudley. The event brought together local businesses, supporters and NHS colleagues for an evening of fundraising and entertainment, all in support of patients and families across Dudley and beyond. This year’s Glitter Ball focused on the Charity’s Children’s Appeal, which is raising funds towards an interactive MRI rocket scanner for young patients. The specially designed environment aims to transform what can be an unfamiliar and daunting experience into something more engaging and reassuring for children who need an MRI scan.
The event was supported by Halesowen College, Dudley College of Technology, Summit Healthcare and How to Find a Care Home, with Halesowen College as headline sponsor. Adding a fitting space-themed twist to the evening, Garrison UK brought the magic of the Star Wars universe to the Glitter Ball, with appearances from official Star Wars characters much to the delight of guests. There was also close-up magic and a performance from West End Kids, who took to the stage with an energetic display of talent and showmanship. Guests also heard inspiring stories from patients, families and fundraisers, providing a powerful reminder of the difference charitable support can make to patients and their loved ones.
Diane Wake, Chief Executive of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We want to do everything we can to make the experience children have in our hospitals feel less daunting and more reassuring. The interactive rocket scanner is a fantastic example of how we can use creativity and innovation to create a more child-friendly environment and help young patients feel more comfortable during their care.
“The Glitter Ball is also a wonderful example of our local community coming together to support patients and families, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make the evening such a success.”
The Charity also thanked everyone who donated raffle and auction prizes, as well as the businesses, teams and supporters who attended and helped make Glitter Ball 2026 an evening to remember. To find out more about The Dudley Group NHS Charity, its appeals or how your business can get involved in future fundraising events, contact dgft.fundraising@nhs.net.
If you would like to contribute to the Children's Appeal you can do so online on the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/glitterballchildensappeal