More than 100 guests attended a glamorous black tie ball which raised more than £6,500 for sick and premature babies across Hampshire. 

Ickle Pickles hosted its Hampshire Incubator Ball to raise essential funds for little ones in neonatal care and mark World Prematurity Day. 

The fun-filled evening at the HMS Sultan in Gosport saw neonatal nurses, supporters and guests rally to raise a total of £6,520.

All funds raised will benefit Ickle Pickles and the Southampton and Oxfordshire Neonatal Transport Service who transport sick babies across the county when required.

Rachael Marsh, Ickle Pickles’ co-founder, said: “It was a glamorous night and every pound raised will help to give every newborn a fighting chance. 

"It was incredible to see everyone sharing their neonatal experiences and supporting our small but mighty charity. Thank you so much to everyone who attended, performed, volunteered and donated to make our Hampshire Incubator Ball so special.”

Around 100 prizes were donated by generous individuals and businesses for an exclusive silent auction and prize draw. The top prizes included a stay at the Mansion at Coldeast at Sarisbury. 

Daily Echo: The Ickle Pickles Hampshire Incubator Ball raised £6,500 to help neonatal units

Guests enjoyed a delicious two-course dinner and entertainment from magician Stephen Simmons, who blends interactive magic, sleight-of-hand tricks, mind reading, hypnosis, and good old-fashioned humour.

There was live music from You Guys who play classic to contemporary rock, indie and soul covers.

A brilliant night was concluded with dancing to some great tunes from DJ Andy Fisher and late-night snacks. 

Daily Echo: The Ickle Pickles Hampshire Incubator Ball raised £6,500 to help neonatal units

The charity offers a unique opportunity to help vulnerable babies at a critical time in their lives.  

Staff and volunteers at The Ickle Pickles Children's Charity strive to give every newborn a chance by working and campaigning nationally whilst delivering tangible benefits for local parents, neonatal units and communities. 

Their long-term plan is to be the charity partner for 150 neonatal units and to donate vital equipment to every neonatal unit in England & Wales.  

They already work with units in Southampton, Winchester and across the country. 

Ickle Pickles will be hosting its London Incubator Ball on March 8 2024 with tables of 10 available to purchase now.