The Italian Ambassador to the UK, Raffaele Trombetta and Mrs Victoria Trombetta, hosted last night a successful fundraising event in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH Charity) at the residence of the Italian Embassy. The event was organised by La Ruota Internazionale, in conjunction with Microtia UK, and has been supported by philanthropists and other generous donors.
All funds raised will support vital research into facial reconstruction techniques led by Patrizia Ferretti, Professor of Regenerative Biology at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH), and Mr Neil Bulstrode, clinical lead for the department of plastic and reconstructive surgery at GOSH and Honorary Associate Professor at ICH. This research will also be beneficial to other conditions and should lead to improvements in the treatment of patients of all ages with facial deformity or injury due to cancer, trauma, burns or other causes.
Please visit the dedicated “Justgiving” page in aid of GOSH Charity, if you would like to make a donation towards this cutting-edge research.
The event opened with a much praised performance of the Festive Choir of Devonshire House Preparatory School, conducted by Mrs Tatyana Niedinger. Mrs Stephanie Piper, the school’s headmistress, and other teachers donated their time by accompanying the children. In greeting all the guests, His Excellency, Mr Raffaele Trombetta shared, in a moving speech his personal experience with Great Ormond Street Hospital. He also warmly thanked La Ruota Internazionale and its Chair, Mrs Anna Maria Pollak, and Microtia UK for joining efforts for such an important cause. Guests also enjoyed the powerful performance of opera singer Veronica Stalberg, accompanied by talented pianist Mr Yoon Chung. Later on, Lexie and her band enchanted the audience with her soothing voice and upbeat music.
Katie Piper, British activist, model and television presenter, and Max Pemberton, British medical doctor, journalist and author, were in attendance and offered their generous support.
Special thanks go to Danilo Cortellini, Chef at the Italian Embassy in London, who designed a delightful dinner, Italian winery Casa Paladin, fashion designers Kolchagov Barba, Arsenal Football Club, the Marylebone Hotel and all the other sponsors of the event, for their generous assistance.
