Several Dorset companies have been thanked for their generosity after The Lily Foundation’s annual charity ball raised more than £76,000.

Around 300 guests gathered at the Park Plaza London Riverbank for the black tie fundraiser.

It was inspired by the opulence of the Orient and hosted by Aussie comedian Adam Hills.

The Lily Foundation is the UK’s leading mitochondrial charity.

It was established in 2007 by Liz Curtis after the loss of her baby daughter, Lily, to mito at only eight months old.

Mito is a rare and incurable genetic disorder, a complex and difficult-to-diagnose condition that affects people in very different ways.

It often impacts babies and young children and the long-term prognosis for sufferers is poor.

The fundraising ball was a celebration of everyone and everything that has contributed to making the charity what it is today.

Throughout the evening guests took lucky dips in a fun-format fortune cookie raffle.

The overall winner was decided by a confetti cannon ‘play-off’ on stage.

Only a late intervention by VAR ensured the two-night water sports adventure break in Sandbanks did, in fact, go to its rightful winner!

Continuing the Oriental theme, those bold enough posted their pledges into the gaping jaws of a dancing Chinese lion which proved a roaring success.

Bidding on a selection of lots in the silent auction took place during the three-course dinner.

Many of the prizes were donated by businesses from the Dorset area.

A fast and furious grand auction followed, packed with more prizes.

It was hosted by comedian Terry Alderton and sports commentator and Lily Co-founder Jonathan Pearce.

All proceeds from the event will go towards providing counselling and therapy services for patients and their families affected by mito.

Many live in and around Dorset.

Dorset companies supporting the charity were:

• Mobile Media Group
• Up Top Roofing
• Sandbanks Hotel & Haven Hotel (FJB)
• Kingston Country Courtyard
• The Watersports Academy
• Sandbanks Jet Ski Company
• Rick Stein Restaurant
• Bournemouth 7’s
• Sandpolo 2023

Sarah Moore, pictured right, Corporate Fundraiser, said: “The Lily Foundation would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making the evening a resounding success.

“I would like to personally thank each of the companies who so very kindly supported the charity.”

• Find out more about The Lily Foundation here.