Ball for hospice raises £23,000 (From Brentwood Weekly News)

Ball for hospice raises £23,000

7:00am Sunday 21st October 2012 in Local news

GUESTS enjoyed a nostalgic night out at a Forties-themed Forget-me-not-Ball and their support raised £23,000 for patient care at Saint Francis Hospice.

About 260 people, including Romford MP Andrew Rosindell, Brentwood mayor Ann Coe, Havering mayor Lynden Thorpe, Barking and Dagenham mayor Tony Ramsay, hospice chief executive Pam Court, GPs and business representatives, enjoyed the hospice’s fifth ball at Orsett Hall, in Thurrock, on September 29.

The ball celebrated the fabulous Forties, which was the last time the Olympics came to London, and guests were treated to a drinks reception, delicious three-course meal and disco.

The Rockabellas entertained guests on arrival and after the meal with songs such as Diamonds are Forever and All That Jazz.

Eurovision entrant Josh Dubovie and US Open and American Swing Dance champions and choreographers Ryan Francois and Jenny Thomas also provided entertainment and Ryan and Jenny taught people to Cha-Cha.

The hospice, which is in Havering-atte-Bower, serves Brentwood.

Mayor Coe said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the ball with its superb entertainment. A great evening was had by all who were supporting such a worthy cause.

“Saint Francis Hospice provides such wonderful care to people with cancer, or other life-limiting illness, in Brentwood and the surrounding boroughs.”