Ronald McDonald House in Liverpool is celebrating 25 years of helping families, including those from the island.

Manx residents are welcome to celebrate at a ball hosted by the charity, which provides accommodation for parents and carers of critically-ill children at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

The Glitter Ball will be held on October 5 to acknowledge the charity’s work and to raise awareness of the impact it continues to have on families with sick kids.

Over the years, about 40% of the 32,000 families accommodated by the charity, have been Manx.

Fundraising manager Gillian Wilson, who paid a visit to the island recently, said: ’The charity exists to provide families with free accommodation with close access to the hospital.

’We give the phone numbers of the rooms that the families are staying in to the doctors who are treating their children so they can be contacted directly.

’Mac House, as it’s affectionately known, has 84 rooms, of which some are apartments that can fit four people in.

’We have a communal kitchen, lounges and play area to give families space to relax while their child receives treatment. Being able to cook and not eat out will also help families cut costs, especially if they’re coming all the way from the Isle of Man.

’Since the charity is run independently from the hospital and other Ronald McDonald houses, it relies on the generosity of sponsors.

’We need about £600,000 per year to run. It costs £25 to have a family stay overnight.

’Last year and now this year, we’ve had to dip into our savings because we haven’t been receiving enough donations.

’I don’t know if people in the island realise how important this charity is for some Manx families.’

Jolene Bunce, from Onchan, is one mother who has depended on the charity many times.

’My daughter Ruby has vacterl association,’ Jolene said. ’She was born with many different abnormalities and has received 15 operations at Alder Hey.

’Once Ruby was born, I was flown over to Liverpool with her straightaway. I had no time to prepare and if Mac House wasn’t there, then I would be in absolute debt because of the price of the hotels.

’The charity enabled me to bring my boys over while she was in hospital. Being so far away from them was very hard.

’Mac House also runs a family meal once a week, which is great as you can speak to other people going through a similar situation.

’The boys love going to Mac House. To them it’s like a holiday!’ she added.

Jolene has been running a Facebook page called ’Ruby’s journey with vacterl association’ where she has been raising money for the charity that is close to her heart.

For any queries about the anniversary ball, which will take place at 7pm at the Rum Warehouse in The Titanic Hotel, Stanley Dock, Liverpool, you can search the charity’s Facebook page called ’Ronald McDonald House Liverpool or contact Gillian by emailing [email protected]

Tickets cost £80, which include a three-course meal and a dancing competition.