Cowbridge gala dinner raises £10,000 for domestic abuse charity

A GALA DINNER to mark International Women’s Day has raised an incredible £10,000 for Vale Domestic Abuse Services.

The evening at the Bear Hotel, Cowbridge, on 7th March attracted over 120 supporters from across the Vale including business leaders, charity supporters, survivors, and political figures. Vale MP Kanishka Narayan attended, as did Vale MS Jane Hutt, who became coordinator of Welsh Women’s Aid in 1978.

The evening was hosted by ITV’s Ruth Dodsworth, who shared her personal experience of domestic abuse, offering a powerful and moving testimony.

The guests heard from Vicky Friis, chief executive of Vale Domestic Abuse Services, who highlighted the increasing demand for frontline support. Over the past year, the charity has seen a staggering 30% rise in women reaching out for support.

The evening also featured courageous survivors who shared their personal stories. The guests were also shown a new video made by Vale Domestic Abuse Services, where members of the community read out survivor testimony to encourage others to come forward for help.

Natasha Leigh Bray of the School of Healing Mastery was the headline sponsor, with additional support from Cardo Group, Steffi Andrews Branding, and Soul Films.

All funds raised will go directly to supporting the charity’s work, which currently helps over 1,000 women and more than 200 children each year who have experienced domestic abuse.

Vicky Friis said: “We are overwhelmed by the generosity shown by everyone who attended, sponsored, and supported this event”. She confirmed that the charity plans to hold another gala in 2026.

For more information about Vale Domestic Abuse Services, visit www.valedas.org

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