Summer ball accelerates fundraising total for Wessex Heartbeat

A cruise themed ball has helped Hampshire heart charity and Lee Peck Media client Wessex Heartbeat to raise more than £23,000.

The charity held its annual summer ball at Southampton’s new Harbour Hotel last week and, between ticket sales, an auction and other money-spinning ideas, the event raised an impressive £23,332.

The money will be used to support the Wessex Cardiac Centre at Southampton General Hospital and Heartbeat House, which provides accommodation and support for families of people undergoing cardiac surgery.

Chief executive John Munro said: “We are incredibly grateful to those who supported our summer ball. The money they raised will make a real difference to people affected by heart disease and help to support our world-class centre at Southampton General Hospital.”

Dozens of local businesses supported the event, including fellow Lee Peck Media client Hendy Group, which acted as headline sponsor and brought a Ford Mustang and a Kia Stinger for guests to take a look at. Other supporters included Isle of Wight based Mermaid Gin, Taylor Made Computer Solutions, Goadsby, Hobbs the Printers and Air Lynx Travel.

Mark Busby, commercial director at Hendy, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many fellow local businesses supporting this important charity. For us, being able to give back to the communities we operate in is one of the most rewarding parts of running a business.”

The event attracted around 150 guests, who enjoyed a three-course dinner and evening of dancing to live music from Liam White and his Little Big Band.

Comedian Mike Osman led an auction where guests snapped up glamorous prizes which included a private dinner experience at Hambledon Vineyard, the chance to sail on a 40ft racing yacht cruiser, keys to a Ford Mustang for the weekend and tickets to an England vs India test match at the Ageas.

Last week’s summer ball is one of dozens of events raising money for Wessex Heartbeat this year. Next week the charity will hold a rugby lunch at Southampton’s Novotel and later this year it will benefit from a charity golf day run by Taylor Made Computer Solutions.

To find out more about Wessex Heartbeat visit www.heartbeat.co.uk/

  • Photograph by MH Photography Hampshire