A businessman has pledged his backing to the Emergency Department Appeal – and the ball is already rolling!

A Great Gatsby-themed fundraising ball is planned in September.

Malcolm Weaving, who owns the Rendezvous Hotel in Skipton with his wife Karen, said they were delighted to be able to help with the campaign to raise £100,000.

“Any initiatives that can ease the stress and strains for the patients and their worried helpers – going through the trauma of waiting to be attended to in A&E – have to be applauded,” he said.

“I can offer advice on how to raise the money, together with our professional fund-raising function staff, who have all the facilities of the hotel as their tools of trade to help raise funds for Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.

“I am confident we can help. During the past 20 years, we have helped to raise millions for numerous charities, including £1 million for a particular charity alone.

“Together with other Foundation Trust supporters, we should be able to raise the £100,000 required for this worthy cause.

“Let’s ‘think out of the box’ and try to do something different and enjoyable to raise money.”

Jodie Hearnshaw, a human resources officer at Airedale Hospital, has volunteered to chair a ball committee. She said there had been a good initial response to the event.

“Tickets are selling fast, and we have raised more than £1,000 so far,” she said.

E-mail Jodie.Hearnshaw @anhst.nhs.uk or visit just giving.com/thegreatgatsby ball for further information and to book tickets.