A BALL in memory of a stillborn little boy raised £5,000 for two maternity wards at Southend Hospital.

Emma and Danny Cox, of Rectory Avenue, Ashingdon, organised Alfie’s Ball, held at the Arlington Rooms, Leigh, on Saturday, after their son, Alfie, was born at 21 weeks.

The couple have two other sons, Jamie, seven, and Eden, eight months. Both the boys were premature.

The night, attended by more than 120 people, was raising funds for the Special Care Baby Unit and the Butterfly Bereavement Suite at the hospital.

X Factor’s Talia Dean topped the bill on the night, following performances from Leigh band BaVard, dancers from Southend’s Nash Dance Academy, and singer Katy Forkings. DJ Davros got everyone dancing.

Emma, 39, said: “We are totally overwhelmed at how successful Alfie’s Ball was!

“The live performances from baVard, Katy Forkings, Nash Dance academy and Talia Dean were amazing and the feedback from everyone who attended has been fantastic. To raise such a considerable amount for the two Southend Hospital departments makes all the effort worthwhile.

“We would like to thank everyone again who attended or donated towards the evening.”

See the video at echo-news.co.uk