THE FOURTH annual Orange and Black Ball brought glamour, emotion and extraordinary generosity to the Vale Resort on Saturday, April 25, as supporters gathered to celebrate the finale of another successful MS Awareness Week – raising an incredible £8,500 for the MS Society.
Organised by dedicated fundraiser and passionate MS advocate Kath Foot, the event welcomed guests from across South Wales for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, fundraising and celebration in support of the more than 6,000 people across Wales living with Multiple Sclerosis.
The cause is deeply personal for Kath, whose fundraising journey began after her sister was diagnosed with MS, followed shortly afterwards by her mother. After loosing her mother to the condition, Kath has remained steadfast in her mission to raise awareness and support for those affected by the disease. Her first major challenge came in 2011, when she completed the Great North Run in honour of her sister, before her mother was also diagnosed the following year.
Speaking after the event, Kath said: “This cause means everything to me. Having lost my mum to MS and with my sister currently living with the condition, I’m committed to supporting everyone affected by this cruel disease.
“To see so many people come together and help raise over £8,500 is overwhelming and incredibly special.”
Guests arrived at the Vale Resort to glorious sunshine and enjoyed a spectacular line-up of entertainment, featuring dazzling drag performances, live music, magic and a charity auction packed with exceptional prizes. The entertainment was complemented by a delicious meal and a lively atmosphere that carried through the night.
The event also featured a poignant tribute to the late Eiona Roberts, whose passion for photography was honoured through a collection of prints donated in her memory. Two of her striking photographs were included in the silent auction, drawing admiration from attendees and adding an emotional touch to the evening’s fundraising efforts.
Special thanks were extended to headline sponsor Winshall Engineering, whose directors Gareth Wintle and Kevin Shallish provided outstanding support and generous donations to help make the evening such a success.
Shelley Elgin, Country Director for Wales at the MS Society, said: “The Orange and Black Ball is a truly special event, and Kath’s dedication year after year is an inspiration to us all.
“What Kath and her incredible supporters have built is a testament to the power of community. More than 6,000 people in Wales are living with MS – and it is the generosity and commitment of fundraisers like Kath that helps us continue our vital work supporting people affected by MS across Wales.
“Every pound raised supports our work and the research that will one day change lives. We are so grateful to everyone who attended, donated and helped make this evening such an incredible success.”
The fourth annual Orange and Black Ball once again proved the power of community, compassion and determination, ending MS Awareness Week on a remarkable high and ensuring vital funds continue to support people living with MS across Wales.
For more information or to support their work, please visit the MS Society Cymru’s website or follow them on social media:
To donate and help push the total even higher, visit the MS Society Cymru – Orange and Black Ball 2026 JustGiving page.
