A charity ball has raised more than £30,000 for North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity.

Sequins, sparkles, VIP guests and a fusion of local musical entertainment were all part of the charity’s bid to raise funds to support the North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust.

Strictly Come Dancing judge, and Hospitals’ Charity patron, Craig Revel Horwood was guest of honour at the event,

Proceeds from this year’s event will be invested into a newly established Volunteer Fund which will assist the Trust in enhancing the range of services it offers.

The Hunts Post: Craig is a patron and supporter of the Hospitals’ Charity.Craig is a patron and supporter of the Hospitals’ Charity. (Image: North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust)

This includes rapid response, spending time with end-of-life patients and ensuring the welfare trolley – which visits hospital wards with medical and comfort items – is fully stocked.

The sponsorship of Progress Health means every penny raised from table sales and on the night will be used to fund improvements and projects of all sizes to benefit patient and staff experiences at Peterborough City, Hinchingbrooke and Stamford & Rutland hospitals.

Craig took part in an ‘strictly confidential’ question and answer session on showbiz, musical theatre and behind the scenes Strictly Come Dancing gossip.

A huge supporter of the Hospitals’ Charity, he said: “Since I became Hospitals’ Charity patron a couple of years, I have had the privilege of meeting so many amazing hospital staff in a wide variety of roles, and seeing first-hand the wonderful work they do.

“I am delighted to be patron, and the success of the ball and the massive amount raised through incredibly generous support is huge testament to how much the NHS is valued locally and regionally.”

As well as raising money, the ball gave North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust the chance to showcase the excellent work, commitment, and dedication of its volunteers.

The event took place at the Holiday Inn in Peterborough and was generously supported by numerous local businesses.

The Hunts Post: Craig took part in an ‘strictly confidential’ question and answer session on showbiz.Craig took part in an ‘strictly confidential’ question and answer session on showbiz. (Image: North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust)

The evening was hosted by professional comedian and after dinner speaker Ian Irving.

There was live music from Peterborough soul musician Nicole Lawrence, along with music from the Collaboration Choir and local feelgood band Motor City Vipers.

Philip Fearn, Charity Project Manager for North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity, and one of the event organisers, said: “It was an incredible night, and huge thanks to every single person that played a role in making it the wonderful occasion it was. The ball seems to have become a popular date in the local business community calendar.

“The staggering amount raised will be added to the Hospitals’ Charity funds and will make such a difference to dozens if not hundreds of patients, visitors and staff.”