Revellers at the Richard House 10th Birthday Ball this month helped to raise £120,000 for London's first children's hospice.
Richard House Children's Hospice is one of West Ham United's chosen charities and the club were happy to help the local cause by donating two lots for the auction held that evening.
Attendees at the Ball eagerly bid for the chance to win a limited edition shirt signed by four of West Ham United's best number 10s to help commemorate the hospice's first decade. Only four shirts, signed by Sir Trevor Brooking, Sir Geoff Hurst, Paolo Di Canio and Tony Cottee, are in existence.
The other lot up for grabs was a West Ham United experience which included access for two people to a behind-closed-doors training session where they will get to witness close-up how the team prepare for a big game. They will also receive a signed shirt and two tickets to a Barclays Premier League match. The two lots helped to raise £4,000 for the hospice.
The event was a huge success with more than 400 people in attendance. Sadly, the West Ham United first team could not attend as the Ball coincided with the rescheduled fixture with Aston Villa on the same evening.
However, Mark Noble, who is a key supporter of Richard House, was happy to record a message to all those in attendance. The midfielder said: "I'm really sorry we couldn't be there with you tonight but I hope you have a fantastic evening and raise lots of money for a really good cause."
The Ball paves the way for Richard House's 10th anniversary celebrations that begin in January 2010. If you would like to find out more about Richard House and how you can get involved, please visit www.richardhouse.org.uk or call 020 7511 0222.