Therfield couple holds Irish ball for Rooprai Spinal Trust

The Rooprai Spinal Trust (RST) was founded in 2005 by Andy Uttridge and his partner Marrianne Rooprai, after Marrianne suffered spinal injuries in a car accident.

Money raised from the charity's 'Luck of the Irish' event at Luton Hoo Hotel will be used to help other people with spinal injuries access vital physiotherapy.

Andy Uttridge with Sam James at the RST ball (Image: RST)

More than 200 guests attended the event, and were treated to an evening of Irish-themed entertainment, including traditional dancing.

Funds were raised on the night through a raffle and an auction.

The charity's co-founder Andy said: "To raise almost £30,000 in just one night is incredible and we were blown away by the generosity of everyone who attended.

"We all know times are tough at the moment, so to reach this amazing total this year is even more special. 

"The money is invaluable in helping us support as many people as possible at a time when their lives have fallen apart."

Sam James, a tetraplegic artist who was left with paralysis in all four limbs after an accident when he was 19, also attended and gave a speech about his experiences.

Andy said: "It is always remarkable to hear the stories of people the charity has helped and Sam is a tremendous advocate for the work we do." 

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When Marrianne Rooprai was 27, in summer 2004, she was travelling back from a friend's wedding when she was involved in a car accident - fracturing one vertebra at the top of her spine and crushing two others.

After clinically dying on three occasions, Marrianne spent seven months in hospital before going home to continue her recovery through physiotherapy.

In 2020, Marrianne was included on the Shaw Trust Power 100 List, which named her as one of the most influential people with disabilities in the UK for her work helping others.

In addition to helping people with spinal injuries access physiotherapy, funds raised by RST aid research into reversing paralysis and improving the quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries.