A spectacular charity gala held within Stockport's iconic Pyramid building has successfully raised a significant sum for local NHS services. The inaugural Royale Gala Charity Dinner, hosted by the Royal Nawaab restaurant, attracted 400 guests and generated over £25,000 for the Stockport NHS Charity.
A Night of Glamour for a Vital Cause
The lavish event, held in the restaurant's luxurious banqueting suite, saw the venue pledge 100 per cent of ticket sales directly to the charity. Funds were boosted through an exclusive auction and raffle led by BBC's Bargain Hunt star Charles Hanson, with prizes including a Monaco F1 Grand Prix experience on a superyacht. The evening was hosted by DJ Tommy Sandhu and featured aerial performers and live music.
High-profile attendees included local MPs, The Mayor of Stockport Kerry Waters, and Stockport NHS Foundation Trust Chief Executive Karen James OBE. Ms James personally thanked the organisers and donors for their generous support.
Personal Motivation Behind the Fundraising
The charity is particularly close to the heart of Royal Nawaab founder, Mahboob Hussain, who lives locally. "My family has had incredible care at Stepping Hill Hospital, including the births of all my grandchildren," he said. "It is a vital part of our community, and we are delighted to host this evening to be able to celebrate and give something back."
Kate Leadbeater, charity manager of Stockport NHS Charity, expressed her gratitude: "We are truly honoured and grateful to Royal Nawaab for hosting the event... To see the local community and businesses come together was amazing."
How the Funds Will Enhance Patient Care
The money raised will directly support projects that go beyond standard NHS funding. A key initiative is the purchase of a brand new state-of-the-art incubator for the hospital's neonatal team. This smaller, portable incubator will provide the best possible environment for premature babies and can be used for transport to specialist units.
Other projects supported by the charity include:
- Revitalising outdoor green spaces and creating a therapy garden for the Acute Frailty Unit.
- Developing a functional outdoor area for the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit.
- Renovating the much-loved Treehouse Children’s Unit Garden.
- Creating parent and family rooms within the Neonatal Unit for home comforts.
The charity's overarching aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of patients across Stockport by enhancing environments, patient experience, and staff development at Stepping Hill Hospital.
