A charity ball to raise funds to treat a medical condition that affects children has raised ?8,000.

Charlotte Hutchinson, whose son Oliver was born with a cleft lip last year, was determined to help other parents faced with the same situation.

She became an official parent contact in the Isle of Man for the Cleft Lip and Palate Association and organised a charity ball at the Palace Hotel and Casino in Douglas to raise funds for that association and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where Oliver received treatment.

‘I am overwhelmed by the support I have had, both with the charity ball, and from people in general ever since I announced what I was doing,’ said Charlotte.

Funds raised so far have reached ?8,000.

She thanked everyone who helped put on the event, which featured entertainment organised by Colette Wylde and choreographed by Gail Hampson, sound by James Turpin with a cabaret act hosted by Gary Chatel, accompanied by dancers Beth Thomas, Hannah Morrison and singers Victoria Wylde, Kate Cowley, Sarah Pearson, Ebonie Tate, David Lyons and Damian Kneale.

The evening finished with the band Joey Wylde and the Divided Opinons, featuring Jack Divers, Steve Somers and Neil King.

Oliver Hutchinson was born in April last year with a cleft lip and Alveolus.  It meant that, very early in his life, he needed to go to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool for an operation. He will require more surgery when he is older when his second set of teeth are due.

If a member of your family is affected by a cleft lip or palate, you can contact Charlotte on 07624 434369.

www.clapa.com.

Photo - Charlotte and husband Mark are pictured with, back row, Emma Hearnden, Amy Knox, Laura Cooper Charlotte Muirhead, Jane Shutt, Mima Patience, and, front, Leah Duncan and Liz Vipond (Photo courtesy of The Studio, Colby).