Reality TV star Jake Quickenden hosted a glitzy black-tie ball that raised thousands for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The former X Factor, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Dancing on Ice contestant joined nearly 200 glammed-up guests at Stoke By Nayland Golf Club.
He compered a fun-packed evening that included a three-course meal, live music, a raffle and auction, where the prizes featured a week-long holiday in Cape Verde and a stay in a top London hotel.
Ball-goers also heard about the importance of fundraising, and community support, from EACH’s Head of Supporter Engagement, Jessica Sayer.
Vicky Hicks organised the eagerly-awaited event after hosting something similar in October 2021.
“Everything went brilliantly, and I was overwhelmed by people’s generosity,” said Vicky, who lives in Eight Ash Green, near Colchester.
“Jake was a perfect host and did such a brilliant job, ensuring everyone had fun, got in the spirit and gave generously when it came to the raffle and auction.
“He also shared his own personal experiences of losing his father and younger brother to cancer.
“In total, we raised in the region of £16,000 – a third of which we’re giving to another very worthy cause, Kids Inspire.
“Combined with some money I raised from a separate charity walk, it means we’re able to donate nearly £13,000 to EACH.
“I’m so happy about that and extremely proud. There’s a lot of organisation in the build-up, but to raise such a fantastic amount makes the hard work worthwhile.
“Hopefully it makes a real difference to the children and families receiving care and support from EACH.”
Vicky, who has two daughters, says she was motivated to help EACH after attending an open day at The Treehouse, in Ipswich, in 2019.
“I was so moved by what I saw, and it was very humbling, which motivated me to do something to help,” said the 35-year-old.
“That’s when the first ball became my vision and because of the way it went, I felt inspired to try and organise another.”
The ball took place on Saturday, 12th October, and other top prizes up for grabs on the night included a diamond necklace, a one-night stay at Stoke by Nayland Golf Club, tickets for Jimmy’s Farm and a signed Ipswich Town shirt.
Vicky added that she was grateful to sponsors Total Merchandise, from Colchester, and Suffolk Car Body Repairs.
Anna Bruce, EACH’s Senior Community Fundraiser for Suffolk and East Essex, said: “We’re so grateful to Vicky.
“It’s such a phenomenal amount of money, and I hope she’s proud of herself. Hopefully, as she said, it made all the hard work, planning and organisation worthwhile.
“It sounds such a fun night, and our thanks go to everyone who bought tickets and supported the event, as well as generously buying raffle tickets and getting in the spirit during the auction.”
In order to top up the total, Vicky was joined by family and friends for a fundraising 15-mile walk from Walton-on-the-Naze Pier to Clacton Pier, and then back to Walton, on 8th September.