Strictly judge is guest of honour at NHS fundraiser

Hospitals' charity patron Craig Revel Horwood said he "was truly inspired" by the work of the cancer wellbeing service's staff and volunteers

An NHS trust's charity ball has raised nearly £32,000 for a cancer wellbeing service, supported by Craig Revel Horwood.

The Strictly Come Dancing judge was the guest of honour at North West Anglia Hospitals' Charity Glitter Ball. He has been the hospitals' charity patron since 2022.

More than 250 guests attended the event and were invited to take part in an after dinner dance-off, raising money for the NHS trust which runs major hospitals in Peterborough, Huntingdon and Stamford.

Revel Horwood said: "The massive amount raised through incredibly generous support is huge testament to how much the NHS is valued both locally and regionally."

VIP guests, cuddly mascots and local musical entertainment were all part of "fab-u-lous" fundraising evening, said the hospitals' charity

The event was held at the Holiday Inn in Peterborough and was supported by numerous local businesses.

There was live music from city soul singer Nicole Lawrence and band Motor City Vipers.

In total it raised £31,780 for the trust's cancer wellbeing service, based at Peterborough City Hospital. The trust also runs Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon and Stamford and Rutland Hospital.

Charity project manager Philip Fearn said the ball seemed to have become a popular date in the local business community calendar

The wellbeing service is free and offers support for patients and their families, whether they have just been diagnosed, are receiving treatment or are in recovery.

Revel Horwood said: "During a visit last autumn, I had the opportunity to tour the cancer wellbeing service and chat to some of the fantastic staff and volunteers - as well as patients and their families – and was truly inspired by their work."

Philip Fearn, charity project manager for the hospitals' charity, helped organise the night and thanked all those involved.

"The staggering amount raised will be added to the hospitals' charity funds and will make such a difference to dozens if not hundreds of patients, visitors and staff," he added.