A SUNDERLAND-BASED charity set up to support families grieving the unimaginable loss of a baby or child has received a £2,000 cash boost, thanks to the generosity of a chartered accountancy and a law firm – as well as a number of other businesses who came together for a charity quiz night.
Torgersens Chartered Accountants and Jacksons Law Firm held the “pie and peas” affair in City Hall, Sunderland’s Council chambers, in aid of the charity 4Louis.
Across Sunderland, there is a great deal of affection for 4Louis, which was set up by Kirsty Knight and her family and friends in 2009, following the loss of Kirsty’s son.
As detailed on the charity’s website, Louis died when Kirsty was eight months’ pregnant with him.
After Kirsty gave birth, the family were able to spend precious time with their son and grandson and use ink and clay to make prints and impressions of his tiny hands and feet that they could keep forever. Louis was also able to go home for a short time to be met by close family and friends.
It was this experience of losing Louis that inspired Kirsty and her family and friends to set up 4Louis, in the hope of bringing other families the same comforts they received in such tragic circumstances.
The charity now provides memory boxes to hospitals all over the country, which contain keepsakes and materials to make precious tiny hand and footprints.
4Louis has also raised funds for cuddle cots, cuddle blankets and calming and comfortable bereavement rooms, which enable families to spend precious time with their child.
Torgersens and Jacksons Law Firm already work closely together on a quarterly Business Leaders’ Event in Sunderland.
They decided a quiz night for an amazing charity in the local area would be a great boost for staff – and as 4Louis is already one of Torgersens’ chosen charities, both agreed it would be a fabulous idea to support them.
The two firms invited other local businesses to enter teams and take part in a raffle and the successful night, hosted by quizmaster Bob Cuffe MBE, raised £2,000.
Martin Johnson, partner at Torgersens Chartered Accountants, said: “We are very grateful to the companies and individuals who made such generous contributions to our charity quiz night.
“A great selection of raffle prizes was donated, and the amount raised from raffle ticket sales was amazing.
“We exceeded our target and then had the bonus of Lloyd’s Bank matching our total – it was a great night!”
Paula Parnaby, admin officer at 4Louis said it had been a “great, fun night” which representatives of the charity were “privileged” to attend.
“The night brought local companies and businesses together, raising money for what we know is such a worthy cause,” Paula said.
“The money raised on the evening will help us to continue to support bereaved families with our services.
“We are only able to continue with our much-needed work because of events like this.
“We’d like to thank Torgersens, Jacksons Law Firm and all those that attended for their support – it’s greatly appreciated.”
Tony Wentworth, managing partner at Jacksons Law Firm said the successful night had been enjoyed by everyone who attended – and thanked the staff at Torgersens and Jacksons who organised it.
He said: “We are really grateful to everyone who came along and those who were behind organising the quiz, all of whom made this such a successful night in terms of both the funds raised and the opportunity for a wide range of local businesses to come together in an informal setting.
“We understand how important the charity 4Louis is to those families who need it at such a devastating time in their lives and we’re really pleased to be able to support their vital work.
“What started with one family in the North East is now a charity helping families in hospitals all over the country – and I think this reflects the kindness of people across our region, whom we are delighted to support.”
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