AN ANNUAL evening for the benefit of women diagnosed with cancer has been declared a success.

This year’s Victoria’s Promise Annual Ball in aid of the Hook-based cause generated more than £66,000 of funding to further the support given to women aged 18 to 45 diagnosed and treated with cancer across north Hampshire.

The 230 guests at the ball last month at the De Vere Beaumont Estate, Windsor, were entertained throughout the night, starting with a barbershop quartet from the University of Surrey, while during dinner guests were serenaded by Lily Williams, who flew over from Barcelona to sing.

Following the dinner, Fiona Eastman, co-founder of the charity and newly appointed chief executive officer, spoke of the growing support young women with cancer need.

Ed Smith gave a speech about the difference the charity’s support made to his wife throughout her treatment, as well as him and his daughter Alba. Ed’s wife Anna died last summer.

In the six months following his wife’s death, Ed has raised £24,000 through fundraising activities, the pinnacle being running 108 miles in 60 hours.

CJ van der Westhuizen, widow of Victoria after whom the charity is named, then invited Ed on stage to award him the annual Victoria van der Westhuizen Honours Award in recognition of his bravery, courage and resilience.

One of the surprises for guests at the ball was the unveiling of the charity’s anthem, sung by the newly-formed VP Choir, which is made up of young women going through cancer treatment.

Written by Michael Scott Parker, Victorious is designed to be an empowering and uplifting message to all young women.

The performance was received so well that the bidding started for the song to be professionally recorded and raised £10,000.

As well as conducting the successful raffle and auction, charity co-founder and brother of Victoria, Alexander Eastman, hosted the night.

Victoria’s Promise supports and empowers young women diagnosed and being treated with cancer and their journey beyond through Victoria’s Promise’s full support services offered within the Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Since the start of 2019, those diagnosed and treated at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, in Winchester, and Andover War Memorial Hospital also have access to Victoria’s Promise full support services, along with those at Basingstoke hospital, covering the entire Hampshire Hospitals area.

For more information, go to victoriaspromise.org.