Smashing event! Heartbeat’s Black Tie Summer Party returns and raises a record-breaking £27k

Heartbeat’s Black Tie Summer Party smashed previous fundraising efforts and raised a record-breaking £27,167 as it returned for another successful year.

More than 200 people attended the event in the marquee at The Concorde Club in Eastleigh.

Guests enjoyed arrival drinks on the lawn and a three-course meal with wine.

Money raised will help continue the work of the Southampton-based charity, supporting patients of the cardiac unit at University Hospital Southampton and their families from the Wessex region and beyond.

The evening began in the gardens with the smooth voice of Lucien De-Laloi, a welcome from comedian and charity auctioneer Adger Brown and close-up magician Colin Phillips amazing guests with his talent.

Participants in the auction made bids on a Ferrari driving experience from Meridien Modena, an entertainment package from the Concorde Club and tickets to world-famous musicals including Ghost and Calamity Jane at the Mayflower Theatre.

Guests were invited to raise money by a pledge promise to support activity days for Heartbeat’s youth programme, which helps younger cardiac patients aged between 11-25.

Becky Culter, Heartbeat’s Psychological Support Cardiac Youth Worker, spoke on the night about her first 18 months in the role.

She said: “We’re making a real difference to these young people.

“The activity days in particular are hugely important.

“It’s where the youngsters can enjoy the experience of fun and camaraderie with others who are going through the same journey.”

Tina Tolley, Head of Business and Donor Development at Heartbeat who led the event, said: “Another great evening where the funds raised will really make a difference to so many.

“Our thanks go to everybody who supported us.

“We are eternally grateful to all the wonderful guests for their generosity and to all those who played a part in making the evening a huge success.

“Special thanks to all who donated auction and raffle items, and also prizes for the table game from David Mellor Family Jewellers.

“We were also pleased to welcome Duncan and the team from Elite fundraising.

“Thanks to their silent auction, we managed to boost the funds raised on the night even further.

“We’re grateful to Tracey Plumridge and Heather Eyers, to Mike Andrews, for always providing a lovely backdrop and lighting, and Alan Brindle for taking the photographs on the night.

“They all provide their services for free.”

Tickets are already available for next year’s event, which will take place on July 18, 2025.

For more information, contact tinatolley@heartbeat.org.uk or call 02380 706095.