Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Sir Jonathan Woodcock OBE was both a judge and the Guest of Honour recently at a special Strictly Sultan Charity Ball at HMS Sultan, held in memory of baby Max Quilter.
The Warrant Officer and Senior Rates Mess played host to the colourful evening which included dance displays by professional and brave learner couples from across the Establishment.
In addition, guests were treated to a salsa workshop and live music from band Rags to Riches.
Max Quilter was born to Lieutenants Gail and George Quilter in the summer of 2017.
He was born with a heart defect called ‘Transposition of the Great Arteries‘, which would require him to undergo a planned operation when he was a few weeks old.
However, things didn’t quite go to plan and just after he was born, Max underwent his first life-saving surgery at just 90 minutes old.
Despite initially recovering well and undergoing further planned surgery, Max sadly died in his parents’ arms following a heart attack at just 12 weeks old.
During, and after, Max's short life, there have been four charities that have supported Max and his family during the difficult times, these included Ronald McDonald, Families of Ocean Ward, Naomi’s House and Southampton Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.
The Commanding Officer’s Executive Assistant, Lieutenant Nick Fryer was among the dancers whose performance was carefully judged by a panel which included two professional dancers, Przemek Fokt and Belinder Quilter, as well as the Second Sea Lord and the Commanding Officer of HMS Sultan Captain Peter Towell.
Nick said: “What a fantastic event in support of some really worthwhile charities – it was a lot of fun to train for and would not have been possible without the organiser’s dedication and enthusiasm (as well as the dance lessons they gave us).
“All the couples seemed to perform really well on the night and everyone enjoyed it.”
So far, over £5.5k has been raised from the Strictly Sultan Charity Ball for the charities who have supported Max and his family.
If you would like to donate, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/remember/480356/Maxwell-Quilter
