Taunton's St Margaret’s Hospice Charity Ball raises £22k

Over 270 elegantly dressed hospice supporters attended the event, which took place at Taunton School on February 16.

Attendees were able to enjoy a three-course meal and many won prizes in a charity raffle, which included bespoke hampers, bottles of fizz, and even a TV.

Guests were also encouraged to bid on a range of auction prizes donated by local businesses and supporters including Exeter Chiefs tickets, a Mulberry handbag, and a two-week luxury all-inclusive holiday to Antigua.

Jamie Batt, a Greenslade Taylor Hunt auctioneer, brought the hammer down on the last auction lot, bringing the grand fundraising total to £22,000.

Attendees danced the night away as local sensation Haus Band took to the stage.

Lynda Edwards, who attended the ball with her son, William, said that the night was a "roaring success."

Lynda's husband David was supported by the hospice when he reached the end of his life, so the charity has a special place in her heart.

Lynda said: “This event was a bright star on the social calendar for Taunton.

“The food was absolutely delicious, and the venue was beautiful, it was like being at a Gatsbyesque party!

"It was wonderful to see all of the guests dressed to impress and see how much they appreciated the amazing work the hospice does, it was a great experience.”

The money from the ball, which was sponsored by Nuffield Health & Turnbull Infrastructure and Utilities Ltd, could pay for over 300 specialist community nurse visits for patients being cared for at home in Somerset.

Kerry Baillie, community partnerships manager at St Margaret’s, added: “This year’s charity ball was a wonderful success not only in terms of the funds raised but the shared sense of purpose and community spirit that filled the room.

“The £22,000 generously donated by our supporters will enable us to continue to provide vital care and support to people across Somerset, whenever they need it, and we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this a night to remember.”

The 2025 Charity Ball will coincide with the hospice's 45th anniversary.

Contact charityball@st-margarets-hospice.org.uk to reserve your table early.

Here are some wonderful photos from the night, kindly sent in by the hospice.

An amazing £22,000 was raised. (Image: St Margaret’s Hospice Care)Attendees showed off their dancing skills. (Image: St Margaret’s Hospice Care)

Attendees got to enjoy a three-course meal. (Image: St Margaret’s Hospice Care)The ball was sponsored by Nuffield Health & Turnbull Infrastructure and Utilities Ltd. (Image: St Margaret’s Hospice Care)The ball took place on February 16. (Image: St Margaret’s Hospice Care)Attendees enjoyed an evening of glitz and glamour. (Image: St Margaret’s Hospice Care)Everyone seemed to have a good time. (Image: St Margaret’s Hospice Care)

All of the guests were dressed to impress. (Image: St Margaret’s Hospice Care)Next year, the hospice will be celebrating its 45th anniversary. (Image: St Margaret’s Hospice Care)

There were smiles all round. (Image: St Margaret’s Hospice Care)St Margaret’s Charity Ball, 2024. (Image: St Margaret’s Hospice Care)Attendees were able to win amazing prizes in the raffle. (Image: St Margaret’s Hospice Care)