Charity ball in Windsor raises over £27,000 for new children's hospice

Supporters of the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service dug deep into their pockets on Saturday as more than £27,000 was raised at the charity’s annual Heaven Sent Ball.

Stars including football commentator Clive Tyldesley attended the event, held at the Harte & Garter Hotel, in Windsor High Street, while Bargain Hunt’s Thomas Plant acted as auctioneer for the evening.

Adam Garrett, from Cookham’s Devine Rose Boutique, decked the Harte & Garter out with his floral designs while Sunningdale sisters Catherine and Elizabeth Porter wowed guests at the event’s reception with their expert cello playing.

Former class-mates of Alexander Devine also provided a table hosting service in a touching tribute to their late friend.

Thomas Plant, Neil Shuttleworth and Mark Buist were all named ambassadors of the ADCHS in a special announcement at the event.

Sally Stevens, ADCHS director of fundraising and communications, said: “This is a really important year for the charity as we prepare to start building the hospice and we were really grateful all our supporters pulled out all the stops to help.”

Fiona Devine, co-founder of the ADCHS, added the event was made extra special by the attendance of Alexander's former class-mates.