A GRAND gala dinner is being staged at Gillingham Football Club's Priestfield Stadium next month, to launch a big appeal by club chairman Paul Scally to raise money for hospital equipment.

Mr Scally’s son Elliott died of heart complications two years ago, aged 39 weeks.

He was so impressed by the care and concern showed by hospital staff, that he has decided to run a campaign to help other children with serious illnesses.

The plan is to raise at least £750,000 for diagnostic equipment and research, but money will also go to Demelza House children’s hospice near Sittingbourne, where Elliott died.

Mr Scally said: "Elliott was diagnosed with a serious heart disorder, and sophisticated surgery was needed to try to save his life.

"We believed the operation had been a success, and Elliott came home but complications set in and he had to be re-admitted to hospital.

"We were given the horrific news that nothing further could be done and he had only a short while to live.

"But the dedication of surgeons and staff in the intensive care unit where he was treated made a deep impact on us."

Now Mr Scally has set up the Elliott Scally Trust Fund to help children with similar problems.

He added: "We can’t bring Elliott back but we can give others a better chance in the future."

The gala dinner kicks off a year of fund-raising activities, including match day raffles, charity boxes in pubs, and individual efforts such as sponsored events.

Already the Alexandra Hospital in Walderslade has donated £500, and Gillingham Golf Club has offered free sessions as raffle prizes.

The dinner, a black tie affair, will be on Thursday, September 15, in the Great Hall at Priestfield, starting at 8pm.

The Tamla Motown band The Sensations will provide the music, and comedian Jo Goodman will be there to entertain.

Tickets are £35 each and can be booked on 01634 350350.

You can contact the trust on 01634 350108 or e-mail trustfund@priestfield.com.