Late Southampton FC fan remembered at charity ball

The It's Okay to Talk charity ball, held at the Hilton at the Ageas Bowl in West End, attracted more than 400 guests and was organised by his siblings Kimberley Wightman, Penny Eldridge and Adam Eldridge.

Eight piece, wedding, party, festival and event covers band Hattie Jacques Playlist provided the live entertainment, alongside Paul Mico, resident DJ at The Concorde Club. Dan Barnsdall, also known as Socks, was the host and MC for the evening. 

Some incredible prizes were up for grabs in the raffle and auction, including a trip to Padstow with dinner at one of Michelin starred chef Paul Ainsworth's restaurants, and three wheelbarrows full of booze. 

A framed signed Man City shirt, featuring the signatures of Premier League champions Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden, and a boxing glove signed by undefeated boxing champion Floyd Mayweather were also donated in memory of sports fan and keen boxer Jason.

The casino and photo booth both went down a storm. Guests enjoyed a delicious three course meal before dancing the night away.

The sold out event, which raised £20,150 in total, followed a fundraiser at sister Kimberley's Southampton salon Kimberley Eldridge Hair Studio to help a charity close to her heart, Andy's Man Club in Eastleigh, a talking group for men focusing on mental health struggles and suicide awareness. 

It was organised in honour of dad and Paignton Zoo IT worker Jason, who died last year at his home in Devon, and was supported by family, friends, supporters and dozens of businesses, both in Hampshire and Devon. 

Andy’s Man Club offers free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups at various locations across the UK and online. The charity aims to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation.

The organising team are taking a well-earned break but are considering running another event in future as the ball was so well received by all 420 party-goers.