A Valentines Ball held by the Mayor of Redbridge raised more than £20,000 for two hospices.
More than 100 guests attended the gala event at Bancroft’s School, Woodford Green including actress Vicki Michelle and Woodford Green MP Iain Duncan Smith.
The event, on Saturday, February 10, was held by the mayor, Cllr Linda Huggett, in aid of her chosen charities - Haven House Children’s Hospice in Woodford Green and Saint Francis Hospice in Havering-atte-Bower.
She said: “Haven House Children’s Hospice and Saint Francis Hospice are two very special charities which are close to my heart and I am thrilled that the Valentines Ball raised an incredible amount of funds for both of them.
“The hospices do such vital work of caring for children and adults with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions in our borough and it was great to see such a generous show of support from guests at the ball.”
It included a three-course dinner and raffle, and music from piano player and singer Jordan Marsh and his Mini Big Band.
An auction was conducted by Mr Duncan Smith with lots including a helicopter ride for two, a private plane trip to France, a spa day for two and a hand-made quilt from the sister-in-law of a patient at Saint Francis Hospice.
Pam Court, CEO of Saint Francis, said: “I was delighted to attend the Mayor’s Gala Ball. It was lovely to meet with community leaders and supporters of both hospices, and to come together to raise funds for end of life care in Redbridge.
“The money raised will make a real difference to people in our community who sadly need specialist end of life care.
“The mayor and her appeal committee have worked tirelessly to raise funds and the profile of her charities, and I am very grateful that Saint Francis Hospice has been chosen to receive such generous support.”
Mike Palfreman, chief executive of Haven House, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Mayor of Redbridge for supporting our hospice throughout the past year with the Mayor’s Appeal.
“The Valentines Ball was a wonderful evening and the funds raised will help us care for even more life-limited children and their families.
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