Soul singer Patti Boulaye joins MS Society charity lunch

A LONG-running charity group has hailed its latest fundraising dinner a success after donating thousands of pounds to a multiple sclerosis support centre.

Around 270 people packed out the Prince Regent Hotel in Manor Road, Woodford Green for the event organised by The Redbridge branch of the MS Society, For Those In Need, a dozen local women who have been fundraising for the last 40 years.

Supporters included Redbridge Mayoress Mary O’Shea and guest speaker 70s soul singer Patti Boulaye, who spoke about her life and charity work

Treasurer Elieen Vilka said: “She was very interesting, talking about her life from her early beginnings right up to the work she does in the present day.

“She is a very charitable minded person and very charming. We’ve had lots of feedback since yesterday. It was a good afternoon all round.”

The Marjorie Collins Day Centre in Chadwell Heath for people with MS was given �2,000 by the group to help it continue to provide bathing, yoga, physiotherapy and reflexology facilities. It is funded through grants and charitable donations.

Mrs O’Shea said: “The event was very successful and everybody enjoyed themselves.

“Patti has lived an interesting life and her talk was very insightful.”