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Strictly a success – hospice ball raises £25,000

24 September 2010

Celebrity dancers wowed guests at the third Saint Francis Hospice Forget me not Ball on Saturday, which raised over £25,000 for patient care.

Former Strictly Come Dancing star, professional dancer Camilla Sacre Dallerup and world champion swimmer Mark Foster performed two dazzling routines, and then invited the dolled up guests onto the dancefloor, and taught them the cha-cha-cha.

Following their show, Camilla said: “It was great to see so many happy faces that turned up to support such a brilliant charity. It was a real pleasure, the guests were so giggly and loud I was worried they wouldn’t pick up the steps! But they did, they were rocking the joint.

“I’ve spoken to a few people tonight and it will never cease to amaze me how staff keep so upbeat doing a really emotional and important job, I salute them, I honestly do, I find it magnificent.”

The Mayor of Havering Cllr Pamela Light, and Cllr Sandra Binion were amongst the 210 guests who attended the glittering occasion, held at Orsett Hall on Saturday, September 18, where they were also treated to a performance by local singer Josh Dubovie.

Other highlights included an auction, which saw guests bidding for prizes such as a private box at a Jools Holland gig at the Royal Albert Hall, and a dancing lesson with Britain’s Got Talent winners Diversity.

One lucky supporter won a diamond worth £2000 in the diamond raffle, and some very fortunate ladies were able to unbutton Mark Foster’s shirt, as Camilla entered the Olympic athlete as a last minute auction prize.

Supporters were also treated to a drinks reception, a delicious three course meal, and a disco until the early hours.

The £25,000 raised could cover the costs of treatment for three inpatients at the hospice.

One patient who benefitted from the care provided by Saint Francis Hospice, was Peter Baynes, who was able to walk his daughter Victoria O’Neill down the aisle on her wedding day, completely unaided. Victoria spoke to guests at the ball about her experiences of the hospice, including their champagne toast at midnight, at his bedside, on New Years Eve 2009.

Victoria, from Romford, said: “It was an amazing evening, my mum and I had such a good time. Camilla and Mark were fantastic – I attempted to join in the audience participation, but not sure how much of it I got right! It’s wonderful seeing people so supportive of the hospice - my dad was cared for 24 hours a day there, with the best care and attention you could ever ask for. My family were also regarded with the best care and attention possible, with the staff always making time to answer any questions we had but more importantly always going that extra mile to make sure my dad still felt in control. I’m so pleased so much was raised to help others receive such great care.”

Cllr Sandra Binion said: “We had a great time at the Saint Francis Hospice ball. We loved the food, the dancing lesson and singing from Josh, all while helping to raise the fantastic total of £25,000, to go towards the superb work carried out by the staff and volunteers at the hospice. I already can’t wait for next year’s ball!”

Elizabeth Palfreman, event organiser, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the evening was a success and everyone had a great time –people were still dancing once the music had stopped! Saint Francis Hospice is about helping people to live with dignity with its specialist care and we can only do this with your support to raise the £6.7million needed each year to keep providing the services to our patients.

“I would like to thank GBP Estates for sponsoring the ball and Victoria O’Neill for her moving words about the care the hospice provided to her dad Peter, before he lost his battle to cancer. She highlighted how vital our care is to people affected by life limiting illness.”

 

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