Aoife, the niece of one of the organisers, Michelle Flood, was born with Spina Bifida in June last year, prompting Michelle and friends to do something to help the Association.

The black tie ball took place in the Killashee House Hotel in Naas on Saturday, June 6 to raise much needed funds for the charity which gives hope and support for a brighter future to all with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.

The ball was a huge success, with the Camembert Quartet entertaining the 220 guests well into the night.

Funds raised on the night exceeded expectations and are now over f19,000, with donations still pouring in.

"We would like to thank everyone who gave their support and came to the Sunshine Charity Ball. We would also like to send out a huge thank you to those who gave personal donations and to our sponsors, without them the night would not have been possible.

“We are delighted to have raised such a substantial sum of money for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland, to help people like my little niece Aoife, who have the disability”, said Michelle.

Little Aoife even managed to get former Irish footballer Packie Bonner involved by posing for a picture with him to promote the ball.

Since its foundation in 1968 Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland has worked with people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus to improve the quality of their lives on a practical level.

The incidence of spina bifida and hydrocephalus in Ireland is the second highest in the world.

On average, 75 babies are being born each year with spina bifida and approximately 80 percent of those born have some degree of hydrocephalus.