MIDWIVES keen to improve the service on offer to expectant mothers at Ipswich Hospital are hosting a fundraising event.Nina Summers and Louise Elmy are both midwives in the hospital maternity unit and among a number of staff raising money to pay for a new purpose built birthing pool.

MIDWIVES keen to improve the service on offer to expectant mothers at Ipswich Hospital are hosting a fundraising event.

Nina Summers and Louise Elmy are both midwives in the hospital maternity unit and among a number of staff raising money to pay for a new purpose built birthing pool.

The pair have arranged a masquerade ball later this month to raise funds for the pool project.

The ball will see visitors entertained by the Blue Rhondo Jazz Trio, an auction hosted by Dominic Etheridge of Suffolk Auctions, a buffet and disco.

Among the items to bid for in the auction will be a hot air balloon ride, a signed Ipswich Town Football Club shirt and gym passes.

Ms Summers, a midwife on Brook Ward, said: “The pool will cost more than £3,000 to buy and we will need have at least £2,000 ready to pay for maintenance work.

“We are trying to raise money in lots of different ways and all the midwives on the ward are fundraising.

“It we had the pool we would be able to offer the ultimate service to in water births. It will be more comfortable for midwives and the women will better experience by using it, we haven't ever had a purpose built pool at Ipswich.”

Water births are a popular option amongst pregnant women and giving birth in water is believed to be less stressful for the baby and to provide natural pain relief for the mother.

The ball will have a black tie and ballgown dress code, with masquerade masks an optional extra.

Ms Summers said: “Everyone likes an excuse to dress up so that's why were are making it the masquerade ball, but if people don't want to dress up that is fine too.

The women are hoping to sell 250 tickets for the event, with all proceeds going towards buying the pool. They are also keen to hear from anyone who can offer auction prizes or who would just like to donate to the fund.

The Masquerade Ball will be held at Waldringfield Golf Club on Friday August 31 from 7pm until midnight. Tickets are £20 and anyone who would like to buy tickets or make a donation can contact Nina on 07985 220333 or Louise Elmy of 07917 206859.