More than 120 people helped raised £35,000 at annual spring charity ball for St Clare Hospice.

The event, which takes place every March at Weston Homes’ Business Centre in Takeley, invited businesses throughout west Essex and east Hertfordshire to attend on Saturday, March 7.

On the night, glamorous attendees placed their bids in auction, which this year was also preceded by an online silent auction running for a week prior to the Ball.

Donated prizes included: a golf holiday, a three course meal for four at West Ham’s Royal East and a gourmet home dining experience.

The amount raised will be enough to fund over three weeks of the Hastingwood-based hospice’s entire Community Services department, which provides specialist care and support.

Epping Forest Guardian:

Guests gathering at the Spring Ball including pearly kings and queens

“What a way to celebrate St Clare’s 30th Birthday” said corporate fundraising manager, Amy Jacobs, who organised the pearly Spring Ball alongside team member Charlotte Durham. “Once again, we’re absolutely swept off our feet by the generosity and kindness of our local, charity business partners.

“Everyone in the room on the night helped to make a difference on Saturday – in supporting St Clare to raise the vital income that goes towards our care for local people living with a life-limiting illness.

“We had a wonderful time on the night; we hope everyone else did, too. Now, we’d just like to say a big, proud, pearly thank you to everyone who made our Spring Ball 2020 possible – you are all hospice heroes.”

For more information about Corporate Fundraising with St Clare Hospice, please get in touch with the Fundraising team on 01279 773750 or fund@stclarehospice.org.uk