A masked ball in Canary Wharf helped raise �20,000 for a children’s hospice.

The event, organised by the Hilton London and Richard House Children’s Hospice, based in Beckton, was attended by more than 130 people. Some were families who use the hospice services.

The night included live entertainment, a three-course meal and charity auction. Guests enjoyed a champagne reception followed by a three-course dinner. An emotive and inspirational speech by devoted father Baris Guven, a Richard House family member, highlighted the importance of the hospice to the families and communities it serves, before a fundraising auction and raffle.

Auction gifts donated by the London Hilton included luxury stays in Kuala Lumpar and tickets to the Reading music festival. For sports fans there were signed football shirts and cricket tickets up for grabs, while food lovers were tantalised by prizes including dinner for two at Takara Sushi Bar.

Viv Talbot, community fundraising manager for Richard House, said: “The masked ball had an incredible atmosphere of fun and laughter. It was lovely to see the families thoroughly enjoying themselves and it really brought home to the guests what the event was all about.

“The evening epitomised the values of Richard House, celebrating life and the families and children who it supports.

“The huge success of the event, made possible with the partnership of the London Hilton, will have a big impact for Richard House Children’s Hospice, from the vital funds it raised to the lasting memories it made.”

Richard House was London’s first children’s hospice when it opened in 2000. Its staff care for children with life-limiting, life-threatening or complex healthcare needs.