AN EVENT aimed at raising money to pay for a new children’s emergency department in Hampshire has won the backing of a firm from Andover.

Family-run business Green Zebra Business Solutions has thrown its weight behind the Make A Difference (MAD) Ball that is being staged later this month.

The event is in support of the Murray Parish Trust, set up by actress Sarah Parish and her actor husband James Murray, which is spearheading fundraising for the new dedicated children’s unit at University Hospital Southampton.

Sarah and James will both be at the event which is being held at the Ageas Bowl Hilton on May 18.

When organisers appealed for business support, Green Zebra director Cathy Vass said she did not think twice.

Cathy said: “When we first heard about the MAD Ball we researched the cause and thought it was really worthwhile, so we got involved straight away.

“We think that the new facilities will touch many families and save many lives and love that the unit will give patients more privacy and will provide greater support for their families and siblings.”

The MAD Ball is the latest event to be supported by Green Zebra. The firm, which offers services including bookkeeping, accountancy, HR, training and business growth support, already works with two other Andover-based, not-for-profit, children’s charities.

The Murray Parish Trust’s #2MillionSteps appeal officially marked the half-way point in their ambition to raise £2m towards the department in partnership with Southampton Hospitals Charity – a total that is being match-funded by the government.

There is still time to support the MAD Ball which has a red, white and blue theme in a nod to the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle being held on the following day.

To inquire about sponsorship and to find out more about the MAD Ball email themadball2018@gmail.com or go to themurrayparishtrust.com for more information about the trust.