A charity gala held for an Ely mum who has incurable stage four cancer raised £32,000.

Holly Wilson, deputy manager at The Royal Standard in Ely, and local entrepreneur Mark Haynes, teamed up with Macmillan Cancer Support to hold a charity ball in aid of the charity and local NHS worker Lauren Bowers-Broadly.

The black tie event at The Maltings in Ely went off without a hitch. A three-course dinner was followed by a charity auction, a raffle and live entertainment.

Holly Wilson said: “The reason for the event was that my friend Lauren, a 33-year-old mum and nurse, has been diagnosed with stage four incurable cancer so I wanted to raise money for Macmillian and Lauren.

RECOMMENDED READING: Charity gala dinner at Ely Maltings

“The event went better than I could have ever wished for, and the food and service laid on by The Royal Standard team was incredible.

“The auctioneer, David Palmer, did a fantastic job on the night, and the band ‘The Scene’ kept guests on the dancefloor until the end.

“And, most importantly, the result – we raised over £32,000 for the cause. I just couldn’t believe it when people kept raising their arms to bid for the items.

“All nine lots sold for more than I thought they would. It was a night of fantastic entertainment and charitable good will.”

Alongside the evening's fundraising activities, the event had support in the form of sponsorship from several local companies.

These included Greene King, The Royal Standard, The Prince Albert, Cambridge Commodities, Grovemere, Ely Constructions, Accent Fresh, G’s Fresh, Highfield Events and Spinney Abbey Farm.

Ely Standard: Lauren Bowers-Broadly with her family

Ely Standard: Lauren Bowers-Broadley and her daughter Eden

 

Ely Standard: Mark Haynes and his family. Mark helped to secure many of the auction prizes.

Ely Standard: Holly and Jodie

Ely Standard: Mike and Jeanene Connelly, owners of The Royal Standard in Ely. Mike and Jeanene Connelly, owners of The Royal Standard in Ely. (Image: Holly Wilson)