The Purple Ball gala dinner returns to Glasgow this Valentine’s Day for its 12th year, continuing to raise vital funds for research into kidney disease.
The event was founded by Gary Maguire OBE and his partner, Andrew, in memory of Gary’s mother, Maggie, who sadly passed away from a rare hereditary condition which damaged vital organs, including her kidneys. The condition – called familial amyloidosis – not only affected Maggie, but also claimed the lives of Gary’s aunt, uncle, and grandfather.
Gary says: “Mum regularly participated in research studies to help gain a better understanding of this condition, with the hope of one day finding a cure. I want to continue driving forward research in her memory and the Purple Ball will help us do that by raising funds for Kidney Research UK.”
Maggie’s story
Gary’s mum, Maggie, was suffered renal failure in 2001 and was diagnosed with familial amyloidosis – a hereditary disease that has affected multiple generations of their family.
Gary says: “Mum was always a grafter. She worked five jobs a day to ensure we didn’t go without. She was always thinking of us and our cousins as her condition progressed, prompting her to become involved in research. She understood there was a chance that we could be affected and wanted to make sure her pain and suffering wasn’t in vain.
“Over the years Mum was involved with many research studies. In 2011, she agreed to participate in pioneering surgery to have a liver and kidney transplant. Sadly, she suffered a heart attack before this could take place, meaning she was no longer deemed suitable for surgery.
“In the following weeks and months, she suffered a stroke and latterly contracted vascular disease, affecting both her legs. In July 2012, we were told that nothing more could be done for her, and arrangements were made for palliative care. Later the same day, Mum passed away surrounded by our family and close friends.”
Gary and mum Maggie
The Purple Ball
On Saturday 14 February at The Radisson Blu, Glasgow, the 12th annual Purple Ball will bring a slice of Paris to the city in support of our work at Kidney Research UK.
This year, L’Bal Pourpre is serving up a Parisian-inspired night of dining and entertainment, including a three-course Haute Cuisine menu, and the chance to Cancan the night away.
The event will raise funds to support research in Maggie’s memory, aiming to improve the future for kidney patients, including around 600,000 people in Scotland who are living with chronic kidney disease.
Gary says: “Kidney Research UK is making a tangible difference to peoples’ lives but they need our support to make research happen. We hope the Purple Ball can help to fund research that will ultimately lead to better treatments and cures, building a lasting legacy for those who have already lost their battle with kidney disease.”
Find out more: Glasgow Purple Kidney Ball