WINTER dreams came true for the organisers of this year’s annual East Cheshire Hospice ball, who broke all previous records by raising £93,500 on the night.

The themed Winter Dreams ball at the Mere Golf Resort and Spa marked a stunning finale to the 30th anniversary celebrations.

As in previous years the auction and raffle prizes were one of the highlights of the evening, with an online buyer winning the top prize sponsored by P.R. Jones Jewellers – a half-carat diamond pendant worth £3,000.

The diamond, designated d-colour, was donated by the Jones’ family of Greeba, Michael and David Jones.

The annual tombola went down a storm and, thanks to support from local businesses and services who donated more than 200 prizes it raised more than £4,500.

More than 350 guests attended the annual ball. The evening was hosted by local compere, Paul Sleem and featured an array of entertainment including Spark and Danash dance school.

“The evening was a phenomenal success and we are absolutely thrilled at how much was raised by our sponsors and supporters,” said hospice events manager, Joanna Boyd.

“We rely so heavily on the generosity of our community to pay for more than 80 per cent of our day-to-day running costs, so these events are incredibly important to us.

“We are extremely grateful to the fundraising committee, which includes Sharon Ronnie, Ginny Blunt, Jo Dalton, Marya Signey and Sophie Johnston who work so hard to make the ball one of the highlights of our fundraising calendar. Many congratulations on your record-beating efforts.”