The Great Gatsby Event - Great Fundraising and Networking!

We were recently very honoured to be asked to cover the photography for The Great Gatsby Ball, a fundraising event for The Ryan Cockbill Trust. July the 20th 2006 was a life-changing day for Ryan, his family and friends.

At the youthful age of 16 Ryan tragically broke his neck in a swimming pool accident, sustaining a compression fracture of his 5th and 6th cervical vertebrae causing  tetraplegia, paralysis from the chest down. Ryan is unable to walk and has limited reach and dexterity due to the use of his arms being severely impaired.

Before his accident Ryan was a dynamic individual, with a passion for cooking and sailing. One minute he was fit, active and healthy, the next minute he was paralysed, unable to move and in need of 24/7 care for the rest of his life. Since his accident Ryan has had many achievements, and represented Team GB (shooting) in the London 2012 Paralympics.  He was a Torchbearer, carrying the Torch through part of Birmingham City Centre.

In 2013 Ryan won the Gold medal during an international air rifle competition in Turkey, and set a new World Record. Ryan has set his sights on Rio for 2016. Each year, amongst other fundraising events for the Ryan Cockbill Trust, an Annual Dinner and Dance is held at the 1874 Suite of Aston Villa FC.  

Fundraising is crucial for Ryan, in order to help him achieve his goals and help provide equipment that will greatly help him become more independent. This year, the theme for the Annual Dinner was the Great Gatsby.  The evening was filled with fun and laughter, and many people kindly donated their time and organisational skills to help make the evening another huge success.

 Here are a few images to give you an idea .....

The band gave their time to come along from the University of Birmingham Music Society.  With Andrew Spirrett on the trombone, the band were fantastic and really helped set the atmosphere for the evening.

Raffle prizes were kindly donated by Fairlawns Hotel and Spa in Aldridge, The Black Country Museum and BuyAGift, to name but a few.  The Trust would like to give a huge thank you to all who donated.

Karen, Ryan's mom, does a fantastic job organising these events and would like to thank all their friends and family who help each year.  Her friends, David and Ann Webster are a huge support to her, as are many family members who continue to support Ryan and the Trust. Photographs from the Great Gatsby Ball 2013 can be purchased from our website - please contact Ryan or Karen Cockbill for the password.  

All profits go to The Ryan Cockbill Trust. If you would like more information on how you can get involved and support Ryan, or would like to be invited to any fundraising events, then please contact ryan@trct.uk.com or visit www.theryancockbilltrust.com