Two Fakenham families whose children died at a young age are hosting a charity ball to fundraise for the hospice which continues to support them to this day.
Elaine and Nick Loades, from Colkirk, lost their daughter Ellie to cystic fibrosis when she was just 16 years old.
Kyra Welch, who lives in North Creake, also suffered heartache when her son, Kaiden Griffin, died from heart failure at the age of eight.
They have teamed up to organise a sell-out ball at Holkham Hall on Saturday, November 19, raising money for East Anglia's Children's Hospices.
The black-tie event will see 250 people visit the majestic country house for a three-course meal provided by Burn Valley Catering, live music from the Lee Vasey Band and a charity auction.
Included in the 20 items up for auction include bed and breakfast stays, paintings, a magnum of champagne and wood carvings by Henry Hepworth-Smith - known for his wood Lord Nelson statue in Burnham Thorpe.
The ball is the first to be staged by Mr and Mrs Loades since 2019, having seen the pandemic put some of their fundraising efforts on hold.
They began fundraising in 2014 when they established Ellie's Love.
“It helps us cope so much to be able to support other families through EACH,” said Mr Loades.
"The support from them is second to none. It is so nice for us to be able to raise funds to give back to them, and to help other families who are going through the trauma of losing a child.”
With their first two balls, Mr and Mrs Loades raised a total of £11,500.
They hope this year's edition will be the best yet and are aiming for £10,000.
The pair are well known for their other charity work, which has seen them donate items including TV monitors, games consoles, a virtual reality headset and games to young patients in the Buxton ward at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
Mr Loades thanked sponsors who have helped put on the charity ball, including Jem Lake, Vertex architecture, and West Norfolk Farriery.
Any companies still interested in sponsoring the ball can contact Mr Loades by calling Mr Loades on 07889157895 or emailing nickloades237@gmail.com.
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