THE Wight Brainy Bunch held its fourth annual winter themed black-tie ball at Ryde Castle Hotel on Saturday, November 2, with guests treated to a sparkling drinks reception followed by a two-course meal and raffle.

Music was provided by Michael Appleton, as the Michael Bublé Experience, and local bands the Outfit, and Switch — the latter having attended the charity ball each year since its 2016 inception.

Tables were adorned with white twig trees, sparkling lights and a dusting of snow, with guests offered keepsakes in the form of professional photos taken by Laura Holme and the Island Photo Centre.

The frosty themed event was sponsored keen supporters of the charity Novum Law, and Barclays Premier Banking who attended for the first time, pledging to continue their support in 2020.

In total, more than £4,000 was raised.

Kathryn Grimes, who founded the charity with husband Mark, said: “This is our fourth black tie ball, and we are continually overwhelmed by the generosity of our supporters and local businesses who sponsor our events, without them they wouldn’t happen.”

The Wight Brainy Bunch was set up by the couple following Ryde firefighter Mark’s diagnosis with a brain tumour in 2015.

Mark, who has since been monitored by regular MRI scans, was given the devastating news in March that his tumour had re-grown, resulting in a second awake craniotomy in July, followed by six weeks of radiotherapy treatment which ended in October.

The charity provides emotional support and financial assistance to dozens of other Island families facing this devastating diagnosis.

Kathryn added: “We get to meet some amazing families going through the most difficult time of their lives, and it is an absolute privilege to be able to help them in some small way.

“We always knew running the charity would be difficult if Mark’s tumour returned. This year has been very hard for us personally, but all the families we have helped over the last four years have been with us every step of the way, and we cannot thank them enough for the support they have given us.”