A CHARITY “Gatsby” ball to increase awareness for patients and families affected by a life changing condition has raised £3,200.

At the heart of the charity is eight-year-old Annabelle Griffin, who suffers from an extremely rare genetic disorder, where a slight knock could send her to hospital.

Annabelle’s Challenge was set up to raise the profile of Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (VEDS), which causes collagen deficiency, increasing the likelihood of internal organs and arteries spontaneously rupturing.

Among those present amongst the 160 guests at the ball was Mayor of Bury Cllr Mike Connolly and his consort Ian Hargreaves, both whom recently were announced as the charity’s patrons.

Guests were dressed to impress during the glitz and glamour event at Village Hotel in Bury, with Annabelle’s parents Jared and Sarah Griffin, glad to see so many in attendance.

Mr Griffin, of Wilby Close in Brandlesholme said: “The Gatsby ball was fantastic and it was lovely to see our guests enjoy the evening and celebrate another year for our charity. The room was beautifully decorated to a very high standard thanks to ICE Entertainments and all the staff at the Village Hotel”.

Mrs Griffin added: “It was an amazing evening and a credit to our team who work tirelessly to ensure our events run well and raise vital funds for the charity, I would like to give a special mention to our team members Sarah Ward & Lynn Wells for ensuring was a success.”

Annabelle’s parents were first told in December 2012 that their daughter, then aged three, had VEDS.

In the weeks after Annabelle's diagnosis, her parents set up Annabelle's Challenge and have since seen it grow into a registered charity with thousands of supporters.

Mayor Mike Connolly said: “Myself and the consort were delighted to attend the Gatsby Ball in aid of Annabelle’s Challenge.

“They are now one of our chosen charities so it was our pleasure to support them at the ball”.

Funds raised at the ball also received a welcome boost from Paul & Ben’s Charity Auctions with a £200 donation being added to the final total.

Annabelle’s Challenge next charity event takes place in Sunday 16th April with the Easter Party & Egg Hunt at the Bolholt Hotel Bury.

For further details, visit www.annabelleschallenge.org