A MASSIVE £18,500 was raised at the charity ball held to mark the 21st anniversary of a Poole hospice.

Forest Holme Hospice was the beneficiary of The Sunflower Ball, which was held at Haven Hotel and attended by 165 guests who were all keen to support the work of the hospice, including those who have personal experiences with its work.

The event was sponsored and supported by Keystones Mental Health Services and Coles Miller Solicitors. It meant that all funds raised from the event could go towards the hospice's work to help people across Poole, Wimborne and Purbeck who have cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.

Anne Currie, charity manager at Forest Holme Hospice, said: "We would like to extend our grateful thanks to all of the guests who supported this event.

"This is to both those who attended and gave so generously during the evening and those who provided the wide range of great prizes which helped to raise such a substantial sum."

Forest Holme Hospice houses a team of specialist doctors, nurses and counsellors who provide practical and emotional support for adults of all ages, as well as offering counselling and bereavement support to both newly diagnosed clients and family members of all ages.

The charity has to raise £500,000 this year to ensure that Forest Holme continues being able to offer the free end of life care and support to over 1,600 people each year.

For more information on volunteering and fundraising opportunities for the hospice, call Forest Holme on 01202 670644.