A charity ball in aid of Ipswich Hospital’s Blossom Appeal has raised £17,000 for a new cancer care centre.

More than 200 guests gathered into a marquee at Toad Hall, near Ipswich, for the event.

It was organised by Liz Beach, Kevin Rout, Denise Blackall, Stevie Collin, Joanna Dyer, Angie Maclean, Linda Keen and Michelle Harwood, who have all been affected by breast cancer.

Among local businesses supporting the ball were the Halifax bank and Haven Power, who both match-funded the event.

Guests enjoyed entertainment by singer Abbie Hartley, magician Dean Allen Jones and band Reloaded.

There was a live auction and silent auction, alongside a raffle with more than 100 prizes on offer during the night, all of them donated by local businesses.

Liz Beach said, “We’re so overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from local businesses and the community in reaching this goal.

“The time, money and prizes donated made a huge difference to the amount we were able to achieve.”

The money raised will go towards building a new £2.5 million breast care centre at Ipswich Hospital.

Currently, patients have to visit three different locations during their care, which means they need to get dressed and undressed several times.

The money takes Ipswich Hospital ever closer to its target - since being launched last October the total raised now stands at £183,214.

Caroline Mortimer, consultant surgeon and lead for the Breast Service, said: “I would like to express my gratitude to Liz and her team for organising such a successful event.

“The new Breast Care Centre is going to make a monumental difference to people’s lives.

“Not only will all breast services be under one roof, but we will have the space and resources to deliver a truly first class service in a more relaxing and dignified environment.”

The Ipswich Hospital charity is calling on people to keep the momentum going by getting behind a series of fundraising events planned for the coming months.

To get involved, call the charity team on 01473 702929 or visit The Blossom Appeal website for more details.