Bollywood dance sees thousands raised for children's hospital ward

The R3 Southern Committee brings together insolvency practitioners from accountancy, legal and recovery firms across the Solent area.

At its annual dinner, which saw 175 guests, it raised £2,160 for Southampton Hospital Charity, and the money will go to the cardiac ward for children.

It was chosen after KPMG employee Adam Lynas died in June from a heart attack aged 35.

Adam’s parents wanted the funds to go towards treatment for heart disease.

Adam’s younger brother Andy attended the Bollywood event and gave a speech in his brother’s memory.

Michael Pallot, senior manager at KPMG, said: ‘The generosity and kindness of everyone involved was a testament to the memory of Adam and to the R3 Southern region.

‘Thank you to everyone that made the night possible and especially to Andy for his bravery in giving such a personal speech.’

The money will go to the E1 Ocean Ward, which sees babies and children referred to it following outpatient appointments or as an emergency. Working with cardiac colleagues, the department carries out diagnostic tests to establish the cause of any heart problems before carrying out treatment.

The unit cares for children from a wide area and receives referrals from 23 district hospitals stretching as far as Northamptonshire and Cornwall and the Channel Islands.

Michelle Wheeler, fundraising manager for Southampton Hospital Charity, said: ‘We are thrilled to have benefitted from an amazing event like this.’

The funds were raised through a raffle and a heads and tails game.

Mike Pavitt, chairman of the Southern Committee, said: ‘This year’s annual dinner was a really entertaining night and we are thrilled to have raised over £2,000 in memory of someone important to the R3 committee. We have been raising funds for charities for many years, and each year is just as important as the last in helping those in need.’

Eight bhangra dancers opened and closed the proceedings at Southampton FC’s St Mary’s Stadium, showcasing their Bollywood skills.

Guests then had the chance to take to the floor and learn the moves themselves.

R3 hosts quarterly meetings throughout the year. For details go to r3.org.uk/courses-and-events