By KLTV Newsdesk – 

Emotional evening highlights vital support for bereaved families

A poignant evening of reflection and fundraising has seen Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice raise more than £73,000 at its first Moonlight Ball.

Held at Hazlewood Castle, the event brought together supporters from Yorkshire’s business community alongside staff and volunteers, generating £73,159 to support the charity’s work with families facing the sudden and unexpected death of a child.

The evening featured fine dining, entertainment and fundraising, hosted by former BBC Radio Leeds breakfast presenter Andrew Edwards.

Powerful stories at the heart of the evening

Guests were welcomed by trustee Jo Ellis and heard from chief executive Gareth Pierce, as well as Sir John Robins, who spoke about the charity’s pioneering support for families in the most difficult circumstances.

A particularly moving moment came as Ruth Grierson shared her personal experience following the death of her son Henry in April 2024, aged 17.

Ruth said: “We were given something priceless. Time. Time to sit. Time to talk. Time for his siblings to come. Time to begin saying goodbye in a way that felt human.

“Grief that begins in chaos can fracture a family. Grief that begins in dignity can hold a family together. Those hours did not remove the pain. But they changed its shape.

“Instead of our final memories being fluorescent light and urgency, they became warmth and stillness.”

Henry with his mum Ruth Grierson

Generosity from local supporters

Inspired by Ruth’s testimony, guests bid generously in an auction featuring prizes donated by local businesses and supporters.

Items included a seven-night stay in Barbados for up to nine couples, VIP hospitality tickets for the Porsche Carrera Cup GB 2026 and luxury overnight stays at Woodsome Hall and Hodroyd Hall.

Vicky Lough, event manager at Forget Me Not, said: “It was an honour for us all to hear from Ruth the difference that our dedicated team made to her family at such a difficult time.

“We’re so grateful that she brought Henry’s story into the room tonight, a heartfelt reminder of the impact of the generous donations from our many supporters across West Yorkshire and beyond.”

The Forget Me Not Team at The Moonlight Ball