Michelle Bresnahan, Founder of ‘A Life for a Cure’, recently visited Meningitis Now Head Office to present the fundraising team with a cheque for a whopping £26,362.25!
She’s seen here (centre) with Claire Donovan (left), our Initial Contact and Assessment Manager, and Beth Bottrill, our Director of Fundraising.
The majority of the funds were raised during the fifth ‘Blingo’ night, an annual event of ‘blingy bingo’, where attendees glam up with their best bling and enjoy a fun-filled evening. The night gets off to a great start with a glass of bubbly, followed by a three-course meal, auction and dancing – not forgetting the bingo, which is played between the courses.
Talking about the origins of the event Michelle said: “I wanted to create an evening for all my family and girlfriends to come together and have a fun time.”
Gone from strength to strength
“The event has gone from strength to strength over the years; this was the most successful in terms of fundraising and fun had during the evening - It was brilliant!”
A total of 180 ladies enjoyed this year’s ‘Blingo’, with many of Michelle’s daughter’s friends taking part. Michelle said: “Charlotte’s friends will be the future of the event, as my friends and I will have to hang up the ‘bling’ in years to come - many years I hope!”
The event is a real family affair with Michelle’s sisters, her ‘incredible’ daughter, and even her 85-year-old mother all getting the bling on, and joining in the fun. Michelle said: “My wonderful family being there to share and enjoy the evening is just the icing on the cake! Having three generations there is very special and means the world.”
Spirit and enthusiasm
Other guests at the event are a mixture of old and new supporters, who Michelle describes as having ‘great spirit and enthusiasm’, whilst also recognising the reason behind the event. Ryan, Michelle’s son who tragically died aged 16 from meningitis, is that reason.
In 2010 Ryan contracted Men B and although he was a fit, healthy young man, he was cruelly taken from his family and friends by this horrible disease. ‘A Life for a Cure’ was set up by Ryan’s family as a legacy to her much-loved son, and to help raise awareness and valuable funds in search of the ultimate vaccine.
Stop lives being lost
This Bristol charity run purely on a voluntary basis is simply about working together to stop other amazing young lives being lost to meningitis.
This year’s ‘Blingo’ evening raised an amazing £20,228.34, with the remaining £6,133.91 coming from general fundraising events over the festive period, and a final donation from Hollis Morgan who chose ‘A Life for a Cure’ as their charity partner in 2017.
‘Blingo’ will return in 2019, with Michelle and her team of friends working hard to create an unforgettable evening. Michelle concluded by adding: “The event wouldn’t be successful without the huge support of my ‘Dream Team’ - my amazing friends who are just incredible throughout the many months leading up to the event. It is impossible to thank them enough.”
