Gala night is driving force for Seb's Trust

Lauren Everitt - 0 • Published 29 Apr 2009 15:00 0 Comments

A MULTI-purpose vehicle is top of the wishlist for a charity which is building a holiday home for sick children.

A gala night has been organised at The Duke of Edinburgh in Woodside Road near Ascot, to raise money for a seven-seater van for Ascot-based organisation Sebastian's Action Trust.

The charity was set up in memory of nine-year-old Sebastian Gates who died from a rare form of cancer on Christmas Eve 2003. His dying wish for a purpose-built holiday home, which is being constructed in North Waltham, Hampshire, will be his lasting legacy.

The event, on Saturday, May 9, has been arranged by staff at the pub and Bracknell logistics firm UCS.

Pub landlord Nick Tilt said: "We are aiming to raise around £25,000 so we can buy the people carrier which will be used to transport families to hospital appointments or take them on days out to give them a much-needed boost.

"Sebastian and his family used to come into the pub so Sebastian's Action Trust is our number one charity as we can see where all the money goes."

During the event, from 7.30pm to midnight, there will be live music, a DJ, an auction and a raffle, with prizes including weekend trips to Paris, Dublin and Rome, EuroDisney tickets and signed football shirts.

Richard Mansell, general manager of UCS, said: "We got involved with the organisation thanks to our managing director Wayne McDonnell's relationship with The Duke of Edinburgh landlord. We are very pleased to be involved with such a worthwhile cause." Sebastian's mum, Jane Gates, said a vehicle would be a great help in assisting families who need to take their child to hospital.

She said: "Even for families who have transport, travelling long distances several times a week can be stressful and tiring for parents who already have a lot to cope with. Raising money for a vehicle would not be possible without the help of staff at UCS and Nick and Annie at the pub. We are tremendously grateful to them."

Four tickets to Ascot Racecourse on Saturday, May 9, donated by Cisco Systems, are also being auctioned off and more information is available from info@sebastiansactiontrust.org">info@sebastiansactiontrust.org. Tickets for the gala cost £15 per person and must be booked by Wednesday, May 6. Information is available from jonny@fullportion.com">jonny@fullportion.com or Sarah Clark on 01344 622500.

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This article appeared in Villager 23 Apr 09

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