The ball was a stunning success with 200 family and friends coming together at Ingrebourne Links and Golf Club in Rainham and raising an incredible £4,550 - almost £2,000 of which was from an auction on the night.
Andy Furneaux from our fundraising team, was in charge of the music as the DJ and Cinderella came along to entertain the kids.
This was a fitting tribute to the mum of four who was supported by our specialist end of life care services.
"It was mum's first anniversary and we wanted to do something big to remember her by and we thought a ball was the perfect way to do it," said Donna.
"Mum was all about family and bringing people together and she loved to party and to dance.
"We were absolutely gobsmacked by how much we managed to raise on the night and can't thank people enough for their support.
"We'd never organised anything like this before and we know mum would have been so proud."
Paula had bravely battled cancer and it was her wish to be cared for at home.
She was visited by a Community Nurse Specialist, along with our physiotherapy team and in the four days leading up to her death on August 14 201
7, she was cared for by Hospice at Home.
"We really wanted to give something back to the hospice for all the help it gave mum at the very end," said Donna.
"The Hospice at Home team made such a difference in that short time.
"The nurse who cared for mum was so lovely and she was holding her hand when she passed away and afterwards she really helped our family too.
"We know the hospice doesn't get as much support as it should from the government and it is important that it is there for local people when they need it."
