Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice’s hugely successful celebration ball raised an incredible £45,000 to support the charity’s vital work.

The ball at the Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford was an opportunity to celebrate the diverse communities that do so much to support Forget Me Not and to enjoy an evening of fine food and dancing.

Entertainment was provided by bhangra dancers and dhol drummers, the band Indria and DJ Soulaisa Roadshow.

Every penny of the £45,000 raised in ticket sales and fundraising on the night will go towards supporting local children with life-shortening conditions and their families both at the children’s hospice and in their own homes.

Brilliantly hosted by Lee Hayes, the evening was kicked off with a speech by Forget Me Not’s chair of trustees, Jeremy Cross, and one of the mums the children’s hospice supports told her story.

Then the fundraising got into full swing with an exciting and high stakes auction. The main auction prize – a fantastic seven-day stay in Barbados for 10 people – was generously donated by entrepreneur Ken Davy, who is also president of Forget Me Not’s Platinum Partners consortium.

The holiday was worth over £8,000 and enthusiastic bidding from a number of tables drove that up to a jaw-dropping £15,000.

Vicky Lough, event organiser, said: “What an amazing night it was! A great atmosphere, lots of fun and a real community spirit.

“A huge thank you to all our guests for their generosity and support and to all the businesses who donated prizes as well as to our sponsors, volunteers and everyone at the Cedar Court Hotel for helping make this an evening to remember!”

Forget Me Not’s celebration ball was sponsored by Shaks Specialist Cars. Other sponsors were: entertainment sponsor Advanced Supply Chain, reception sponsor Towndoor and programme sponsor Pinnacle Group.

Whitegates Huddersfield was a Platinum sponsor and owner and managing director Chan Khangura, who hosted a table, said: “It was an amazing night for such an amazing charity.

“We were privileged to attend and sponsor such an event and help raise much-needed funds for a fantastic charity which does so much for families in our community.”

Images by: MARK FLYNN PHOTOGRAPHY