A charity dinner for people with life-limiting illnesses saw a whopping £36,254 raised overall.

Guests at Peace Hospice Care’s Black Tie Dinner generated the five-figure sum during an auction at Watford Football Club on November 8.

Around 165 people attended the drinks reception, three-course dinner and silent auction sponsored by The Diamond Trust, including ex-Watford FC star, Luther Blissett.

Other guests included Camilla Tominey, associate editor at The Telegraph and Robert Voss, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire.

Vivian Watson, managing Director at The Diamond Trust, said: “We were thrilled to be the sponsor of this event knowing the huge impact the fundraising efforts have on people who benefit from the hospice’s services.”

Gemma Shortman, corporate fundraising manager at Peace Hospice Care, added: “We were quite overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who attended.

“Our live auction raised funds for our Living Through Grief bereavement sessions, which help people to come to terms with the loss of a loved one. Together, in just one evening, we raised enough money to run these groups for more than a year.

Ms Shortman would like to thank The Diamond Trust, Watford Football Club, F3 Catering, Tim FitzHigham, Luther Blissett, Richard Johnson, Lee Partridge, Stuart Street and all new patrons.

For more information about Peace Hospice Care and for upcoming events, please visit https://www.peacehospicecare.org.uk/events