Diamond geezer donates jewel to Mayor's ball
Published Monday, 20th February 2017
They say diamonds are a girl's best friend and for the Mayor of Rotherham this is certainly true, as a special donation signs her time off with a sparkle.
A flawless diamond worth over £2,000 was gifted to Cllr Lyndsay Pitchley as a prize for her Champagne and Diamonds ball, which she is due to hold in April this year, marking her final charity event before vacating office.
Local businessman, Darren Hughes, donated the diamond to the Mayor as a gesture of good-will, in the hope that it will encourage more people to attend the function and raise money for her three charities.
Mr Hughes said: “I have a good relationship with the merchants and thought it would be nice for the Mayor’s final event to have something special as a prize. I’ve known the Mayor for a few years and she’s a real credit to the borough, it’s my way of saying thank you to her for all of her important and brilliant work during her year in office.”
The Champagne and Diamonds ball is a black tie event, with live music and a three-course meal, due to be held on the 29 April at Magna Science Adventure Centre.
Cllr Pitchley, Mayor of Rotherham, said: “I didn’t know what to say, it was beyond anything I ever expected! I’m extremely grateful for Darren’s generous donation. The diamond will hopefully go a long way in ensuring that as many tickets as possible are sold and we can raise a lot of money for three very worthy charities.”
The lucky recipient of the diamond will have the choice to incorporate the gem into a more suitable accessory, such as a pendant, watch or tie-clip. The jewel will be part of a number of gift giveaways on the night of the ball, with all money going towards the Mayor’s three charities; Guide Dogs for the Blind, Alzheimer’s Society and National Autism Society.
Tickets cost £25.95 each, or £250 for a table of 10, and are available from Rotherham Town Hall. For more information, contact Town Hall on or go to the Mayor's Facebook page.
