Richard Madeley hosts Big Heart Ball for St Francis Hospice

Saint Francis Hospice held the Big Heart Ball in the Grand Connaught Rooms in London on Saturday, November 12.

Richard Madeley - a patron of the hospice - introduced the entertainment, including a surprise performance by Havering-born fellow patron and Grammy-award winner Imogen Heap. 

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Saint Francis Hospice is charity that offers care to those with life-limiting illnesses in Havering, Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham and Brentwood.

Mary Anne Donovan, major partnerships manager and event organiser at the ball, said: “Our 350 guests had a wonderful time and many of them were still on the dancefloor at 1am.”

Imogen Heap performs at the Big Heart Ball (Image: Photo by Saint Francis Hospice)

“One of the highlights of the evening was the superbly talented quick artist Dave Sharp, who produced an amazing painting of Queen Elizabeth in under 10 minutes, which was then auctioned for £16,000. 

“All evening, our guests were generous and dug deep to support the Hospice.

"Overall, the Big Heart Ball raised over £100,000 – which will help pay for 14 patients who need 24-hour care on our ward supported by our consultants, doctors and nurses.

The Big Heart Ball raises over £100,000 for Saint Francis Hospice (Image: Photo by Saint Francis Hospice)

"Huge thanks to everyone involved. It was a great night, made even more special by knowing that so much money was raised to help local people.”

Guests also enjoyed a drinks reception, a three-course meal and live music by the international showband Jam Hot. 

Hospice fundraiser Andy Furneaux, who is also a well-known local DJ, AKA The Candy Man, kept everyone on their toes with music.