Hemel woman throws birthday bash in memory of 'amazing' father - helping raise money for air ambulances

On what would have been her dad’s 60th birthday, Danine Eary put on Ron’s Birthday Ball, and raised £2,083 for EHAAT and Harefield Hospital.

A critical care team from EHAAT treated Ron after he suffered a cardiac arrest at Hemel home in September 2018, and took him to Harefield Hospital.

Although Ron died three days later, Danine was so grateful for the work of the air ambulance critical care team and the hospital staff she threw a special fundraising event.

Danine said: “Dad passed away shortly before his 60 th birthday and I had been planning to surprise him with a party. I wanted to give myself a challenge and to help the charities who had helped him and keep myself busy.

“I decided to hold a black tie ball because I wanted people to come knowing it would be an up-beat night with a few drinks, a great band and lots of dancing. I really wanted to make it a celebration of life.

“There were roughly 140 people there, and nearly all of them knew him. If they didn’t know him, they certainly knew of him.”

Danine decorated the tables in black with a large martini glass with candles and diamonds for the centre piece on the tables.

“I put out leaflets and information on both organisations for people to read and understand more. There were also charity tins, banners and balloons everywhere. I wanted people to walk in and instantly know who they were raising money for," she added.

“Hemel Hempstead FC kindly donated the hall for free which was so lovely and I can’t thank them enough for that.”

She also thanked everyone for their support and help over her difficult year.

"It has been a tough time for everyone as so many people knew my dad," she said.

“It really was truly amazing to look around that room and see so many people and smiling and having the best time.

"It really was a celebration of one amazing man my idol, my dad. I’m already thinking about what we can do next year.”

Jon Rodriguez, head of fundraising at EHAAT said: “Unfortunately, not every patient attended by our critical care team can be saved and it is sad for the team when they hear that someone they went to has passed away.

“We were deeply touched to hear about Danine’s fundraising. To raise money in this way on what must have been an emotional day for Ron’s family and friends says a great deal about her.

"I’m sure Ron would have been rightly proud of his daughter and what she has achieved. We can’t thank her enough.”