Rays Of Sunshine

Berkhamsted and Tring Living Magazines Evan and Clare Ball

A national charity became a real Ray of Sunshine for one Berkhamsted boy.

Evan Ball, 12, who was diagnosed with a rare blood disease in 2016, had his wish of going to Disney World granted by Rays of Sunshine, an award-winning children’s charity that aims to brighten the lives of children living with serious or life-limiting illnesses.

And now Berkhamsted Theatre Company (BTC) are stepping up to raise money for the charity.

Mum Clare explained: ‘I joined BTC in 2015 before Evan’s diagnosis. Then Evan was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Aneamia, and everything changed.

‘The only cure was a bone marrow transplant, and Evan endured transfusions, operations, chemo and more. We spent a lot of time in Great Ormond Street Hospital, and after the transplant he had to stay away from school and his friends as he recovered.

‘My BTC ‘family’ were so supportive, and at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) Evan was offered a wish by Rays of Sunshine. The charity became a massive part of his recovery – he sang in a choir under Choirmaster Gareth Malone, recorded ‘Valerie’ with Mark Ronson, sang for the Duchess Of Cornwall, met Shawn Mendes and performed with Ronan Keating.

I decided to become an Ambassador for Rays of Sunshine to help raise awareness, and now, BTC are helping raise funds for this amazing charity. It’s a great partnership!

‘Being part of such a group has been a great catharsis and generates a sense of belonging, something both Evan and I have in common with BTC and Rays of Sunshine.

‘An ensemble role for me on stage with Chess, our next production, and an ambassador role off-stage for Rays of Sunshine, allows me a platform to promote the amazing things that both have to offer.’