A donation of £10,000 has been made to charity PANS PANDAS UK following a successful fundraising drive at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s annual dinner and awards.
Birmingham-based sports hospitality agency Eventmasters made the donation through its charitable foundation after hosting a silent auction at the annual dinner and awards, which took place at the ICC in March. PANS PANDAS UK is the GBCC’s charity of the year, as chosen by president Deb Leary.
The charity was established by a group of parents with children who are affected by two specific conditions – PANS and PANDAS. They are a set of conditions which result in an inflammation of the brain, causing a variety of neuro-psychiatric conditions such as OCD, tics and eating restrictions.
These conditions are often misdiagnosed or blamed simply on bad behaviour and poor parenting. The charity was registered in 2018 in a bid to make a difference to the way these conditions are understood by the medical profession and the general public.
Deb Leary said: “When there are so many charities for people to choose from, I am eternally grateful to the Chamber membership and all those who attended the Chamber awards dinner for giving so generously to my chosen charity. The total is so amazing and will make such a difference.”
Vicky Burford, chair of PANS PANDAS UK, said: “As a small charity facing a rapidly growing demand for support, all the team at PANS PANDAS UK are delighted to have received this incredible donation from Eventmasters.
“It will make a huge difference to how many families and children we can help. Continuing our work raising awareness, improving health services and supporting families living with these devastating conditions will be made possible through the generosity and backing of brilliant companies like Eventmasters.”
Based in St Paul’s Square, Eventmasters is a leading sports hospitality firm and an 1813 Club member of the GBCC. Managing director Denise Sheasby said: “Eventmasters, through our charitable foundation and silent auction fund raising efforts during the awards evening are delighted to present a cheque for £10,000 to PANS PANDAS UK.
“Thank you to all of the GBCC members who placed bids during the auction, it certainly was a terrific event. Having spoken with Vicky, it is clear that young people who sadly suffer with this condition, and their families, are in vital need of the support that this charity provides.”
