A HEATING firm raised nearly £9,500 for Little Havens Children’s Hospice after organising a charity ball.

The fundraising effort now brings the total amount raised in five years for the charity by the Underfloor Heating Store, based at Carnival Park, Basildon, to £40,000.

About 120 staff, customers and suppliers attended the Christmas ball at Stock Brook Manor, Billericay, in December.

They were entertained by a magician and a caricaturist, with a charity auction helping swell the cash total.

Office managers Dan and Dominic Lodge, visited Little Havens, in Thundersley, to hand over the money and see how it would be spent.

The hospice offers care and respite support for seriously- ill babies, children and teenagers and their families.

Staff at the heating company have previously dressed up as superheroes, sponsored an art exhibition at Basildon’s Eastgate Centre and taken part in a run to raise cash for Little Havens.

The glamorous fundraising ball was the idea of business owners Steven Lewis and Michael Lewis.

Mr Lewis said: “On behalf of all our customers, suppliers and staff, I am thrilled to be able to present such a wonderful donation to Little Havens from our Christmas charity ball.

“All of us here are proud of our support of Little Havens and we remain committed ensuring we do our bit to help it continue caring.

“The ball was a huge success and everyone had a great time with entertainment and dancing into the small hours.”

Peter Hall, community fundraiser for Little Havens, took to the stage at the event to give a moving talk to guests and thank them for their support.

He said: “I want to say thank you to Steven and Michael for organising a very successful and entertaining fundraising event. It was an incredible evening and I would like to thank all those who supported, sponsored and attended the Christmas charity ball.

“At Little Havens we help by controlling pain and medication, offering respite and caring for children at the end of their lives. We never charge a penny and simply couldn’t do that without the ongoing support of businesses such as Underfloor Heating Store.”

For more information about supporting Little Havens, contact the fundraising team on 01702 220305 or visit havens hospices.org.uk