A CHARITY ball that brought Las Vegas to Bury has raised more than £3,000 to help fight a rare and life-threatening genetic condition.

Annabelle’s Challenge celebrated its first anniversary as a national charity at the glamorous event, held on Saturday May 16, complete with Vegas-style showgirls and butlers helping to raise awareness of vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (VEDS).

The charity is named after Brandlesholme six-year-old Annabelle Griffin, who suffers from VEDS, a condition that puts her at daily risk of her internal organs and arteries spontaneously rupturing.

Parents Jared and Sarah Griffin, of Wilby Close, have worked tirelessly to boost the charity’s profile and expressed their gratitude to their supporters.

Mr Griffin said: “I am delighted that our charity ball has been so successful for a second year running.

“A huge thanks to everyone that contributed on the night, especially those who handed over their hard-earned cash in support of Annabelle’s Challenge charity.

“The amount raised is fantastic and will directly fund a new UK patient support programme with Medic Alert UK membership providing essential support to newly diagnosed patients of vascular EDS.

“Our charity ball was a success, thanks to the hard work of the team and our organisers Sarah Ward and Lynn Wells.”

Among the 130 guests at the ball were Deputy Mayor Cllr Sharon Briggs and Deputy Mayoress Shirley Rabbit.

The entertainment kicked off with the charity's patron Emily Ward singing hits from the Broadway musical Dreamgirls, and also included an Elvis impersonator and performances from Theatre Dance Studios and girl band Tiger Heart.

One lucky guest, Rachel Hart, won £1,000 in a raffle, donating £500 back towards the night’s total, which reached £3,020.

Prizes donated to the ball by Bury and Bolton businesses included tickets to see Wicked, while Bolton Lions also hosted blackjack and roulette tables.

The charity is now looking forward to its next event, which will be a family fun day in August at Bury Football Club.

For more details on the charity: go to annabelleschallenge.org