Silent auction raises £3,000 for charity

A silent auction held at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce 's annual dinner and awards raised £3,000 for charity.

The money raised from the auction has been presented to PANS PANDAS UK, the Chamber 's charity of the year, as chosen by president Deb Leary.

The funds were generated during the awards dinner at the ICC through a silent auction organised by Chamber member and hospitality business Eventmasters.

Deb Leary, who is also the CEO of Forensic Pathways, said: “I am incredibly grateful to everyone who so kindly donated to PANS PANDAS UK.

“Our businesses are under intense pressure at the moment due to circumstances outside of their control.

“It is a testament to how fabulous they are in that they still have the capacity to support and give to others.

“PANS PANDAS UK is a little-known charity, run by volunteers and parents, so every penny counts in order to provide support to the families they serve - one of which is mine. ”

PANS PANDAS UK is a charity established by a group of parents with children who are affected by two specific conditions - PANS and PANDAS.

They are a set of conditions which result in an inflammation of the brain, causing a variety of neuro-psychiatric conditions such as OCD, tics and eating restrictions.

These conditions are often misdiagnosed or blamed simply on bad behaviour and poor parenting.

The charity was registered in 2018 in a bid to make a difference to the way these conditions are understood by the medical profession and the general public.

Vicky Burford, chair of PANS PANDAS UK, said: “We are so grateful to the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and Eventmasters for supporting the work of PANS PANDAS UK with this fantastic donation.

“Our heartfelt thanks also go to every single person who contributed to this donation by taking part in the silent auction at the Chamber awards ceremony in March.

“These life-changing conditions affect so many children here in the UK and every penny raised makes the work we do to support them possible. ”

Denise Sheasby, managing director at Eventmasters said: “It was great to be back at the ICC for a live GBCC Awards Evening after a two-year break, well done everyone involved.

“We were delighted to yet again help with fund raising actives for the nominated charity Pans/Pandas UK. The Silent Auction was really well supported by guests in attendance, thank you all. ”

Pictured: PANS PANDAS chair Vicky Burford, Chamber president Deb Leary and Eventmasters managing director Denise Sheasby