The recent two-night ‘Blingo’ hosted by the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation has raised more than £40,000 – a fundraising record for the charity.
Hundreds of people attended the nights, backed by sponsors BC Partners, Ravenscroft, Spotted Kandy, Catherine Best, and Hand Picked Hotels.
An auction of items donated by local sports stars Alex Scott, Maya Le Tissier, and Sebastian Priaulx raised £6,000 alone.
Head of Fundraising for the PPBF and Blingo organiser, Sara Edmonds said that added to the overall record breaking total.
“Last year we raised £30,000, so to make 2026 our most impactful year yet and set a new record is incredibly rewarding after months of preparation.
“We introduced new musical-themed games this year, and it was without a doubt our biggest and craziest event yet,” she added. “The atmosphere was electric. We are already receiving enquiries for next year!”
Speakers at the event included the Atkinson family who shared their experience of having a poorly baby needing care in Southampton, Catherine Best who hosted the ‘Best Round’ of bingo, and Lucy Freeth from The House of Fandango who partnered with the PPBF to create comforting pillows for children.
Funds raised will be used to directly support premature babies, critically ill children and their families across the Bailiwick of Guernsey. This comes in the form of practical, financial and emotional support, whether little ones are cared for at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital or transferred to the UK.
Ms Edmonds said the charity received a lot of support which helps it support families in need.
“I would like to personally thank our sponsors, volunteers and everyone who supported the event. An event of this scale takes a huge amount of effort and energy, and we are so grateful to everyone who made it possible.
“Having seen first-hand the support families receive, including when my niece underwent life-saving cancer treatment and stayed in Aggie’s Burrow at just 18-months-old, I know just how much of a difference these funds will make.”