Annual ball raises thousands for King's Lynn domestic abuse charity

An annual fundraising ball on Saturday raised thousands of pounds for a charity who support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse.

The Pandora Project, one of the nominees for the Lynn News charity of the year, organised the event on May 20, which sold out in a matter of weeks at the beginning of the year when tickets went on sale.

Some 120 guests attended the glamorous evening held at the Duke's Head Hotel on Tuesday Market Place.

Reception drinks were provided by What a Hoot distillery and entertainment was provided by singer Amy Fyfe-Taylor, magician Josh Maddocks and a live band, Vex.

An auction took place, with 13 donated items, including a stay at the Dabbling Duck, Great Massingham and a luxury hampers, and raised a total of £1,785.

Donation buckets around the ballroom and games such as guessing the number of pebbles in a jar, the name of a teddy and a silent auction also contributed to the donations raised.

Pandora Project’s chief executive Tracy Mahoney said: "People think that domestic abuse doesn’t happen in Norfolk, but we support around 700 women and children each year who are living with this reality.

"If there are any women present who wanted to seek support to reach out to a Pandora Project worker."

The evening raised some £3,500 which will go directly to support women and children affected by domestic abuse.

A spokesperson for the charity said: "We want to extend our thanks to Sophie Newson and her team at the Duke’s Head for their hard work and attention to detail.

"To Jenny Beake our fabulous auctioneer who encouraged guests to dig deep, to Keith Osborn photographer and to all the individuals, businesses and companies who donated prizes and gifts.

"A special thanks to the 120 guests who came along to support Pandora Project and made the evening such a huge success."