SOUTHEND Hospital’s Keyhole Cancer Appeal has been given a £3,500-plus boost by a charity ball.

Brenda LeVoi, owner of Hairclubin, in Westcliff, and her sister, Pam Withrington, organised the Fifties-themed glamour event at Saxon Hall, Southend/ Some 120 guests, including hospital consultants James Wright and Sampi Metha, were welcomed by glamorous burlesque dancers.

Ms Withrington, said: “The reason we chose the Keyhole Cancer Appeal this year was a request from Karen Fossett, our longest-serving stylist at Hairclubin.

“A few years ago, her then husband Steven Fossett, and mother were being treated for bowel cancer by Mr Dworkin and the amazing team at Southend Hospital.

“The care and compassion both received left Karen so thankful to the team that she wanted to give something back to the hospital.”

The sisters have been organising charity events for 27 years and this isn’t the first time Southend Hospital has benefited – the first Hairclubin Ball, in 1989, raised £500 for the hospital’s Scanner Appeal. Ten years later, they raised money for the hospital’s special care baby unit and in 2005, they raised funds for the hospital’s renal unit.

Lucy Thomas-Clayton, hospital associate director of fundraising, said: “The fundraising efforts of Brenda and Pam are inspirational and have benefited the hospital and many patients over the years.

“This latest donation is wonderful news and moves us another step closer to our keyhole cancer appeal target.”

Later in the evening, guests enjoyed live entertainment from local band, Band208, and posed in a vintage-inspired Photo Shmoto photo booth. The event was sponsored by Claims Settlement Agencies and raised more than £3,500in total, through tickets, an auction and a raffle.

Auctioned items included:

  • A two-night trip to Monte Carlo donated by F Withrington & Sons, which fetched £1,200
  • A dining experience at Bentley’s in SwallowStreet, London, including a chauffeurdriven car to and from the restaurant, donated by Mick and Laura Sepple from Clean Co
  • A chance to join Martin and Su from the Heart Breakfast show.