THERE were tears among the joy and laughter at a star- studded charity gala to raise money for Little Havens children’s hospice.

Comedian Roy Walker led the laughs at the benefit dinner organised by Choice discount stores to raise vital funds for the charity which provides respite care for sick children and their families.

The evening, held at Stock Brook Manor, near Billericay, raised an astounding £59,000 for Little Havens to help fund care at its Thundersley base.

Revellers were also entertained with the cream of soul and reggae music with performances from Heatwave, Aswad and Alexander O’Neal.

Golfers began the fundraising day by teeing off in a charity tournament, which was eventually won by the team from Our Price Records, before the gala dinner and charity auction.

A video played on the night telling one tragic family’s story in which both children have been diagnosed with a degenerative terminal illness, brought tears to many people’s eyes and encouraged guests to dig deep.

Choice has held numerous charity golf events, raising more than half a million pounds for good causes over the years.

Managing director Con Donovan launched the discount shopping chain with his wife Kath in 1966, with the first store in Rectory Road, Hadleigh.

More than 40 years later, and with 17 stores across the south east, Choice is still a truly family concern with three of the couple’s four sons, Mark, Phillip and Neil, taking roles in the business, which now employs more than 500 staff.

Philip took the lead in organising the gala fundraiser and his father said: “He did a magnificent job. The whole family is passionate about charity. This area has been good to us as we celebrate 43 years of business in June, these events are about giving something back.

“Our target was to raise at least £50,000 for Little Havens, so I am delighted we exceeded that.”

Some of the cash raised was thanks to a raffle held in all Choice stores which raised £28,000, with prizes including £1,000 of Choice Vouchers and a £500 Next gift voucher.

Con said: “Our staff are like an extension of the family and it is thanks to their efforts we have raised this money. I am very proud.”

But generous guest at the gala also contributed thousands of pounds bidding for one-off pieces of memorabilia and experiences in an 18 lot charity auction hosted by comperes Mark Peters and Martin Day.

Among the items attracting a flurry of bids was the chance to be photographed alongside a celebrity at the event and appear in OK Magazine, who were covering the event. That prize went for £3,000.

The two biggest bidders of the night each spent £5,000 to secure prized possessions. The first was a 1962 original Frank Sinatra LP signed by all of the infamous Rat Pack, while the other was more up to date – a signed pair of boots from Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo who will present them to the lucky recipient in person.

Head of fundraising Louise Gloyne collected the cheque on behalf of Little Havens.

She said: “This is an amazing amount of money given the current financial climate. We are so grateful to the Donovan family for supporting the hospice. It was a fantastic night.”

Kath Donovan said the family were inspired to help after visiting the hospice and learning of its financial difficulties.

She said: “When you go there it really puts everything into perspective. You look at your own children and grandchildren and have to be thankful it isn’t you.

“The work Little Havens does is incredible, providing care and relief to families that are often so desperately in need of it. We are so happy to help.”