£1 Million Boost for Children's Epilepsy Charity

Over £1million was raised for a Scottish-based children's epilepsy charity last night when stars of television and sport joined business leaders at a charity ball in London.

The Muir Maxwell Trust Masked Opera Ball was hosted by Natasha Kaplinsky and the prizes up for grabs ranged from Christopher Biggins' jungle hat to a customised Alpha Romeo Brera called "Mascareri", in keeping with the masked theme.

The star auction item on the night was an exclusive trip to Venice which raised £35,000 and included travel by private jet and three nights at the world-famous Hotel Cipriani, courtesy of Elegant Resorts and Cloud 9.

Other 'must-have' designer items auctioned on the night by former England rugby internationalist Martin Bayfield, included a jewel-encrusted Escada ball gown and a trip for four to next October's 'Fashion Rocks' being held in Moscow.

In addition, a £25,000 diamond ring and the Alpha Romeo car were given away in a prize draw to two lucky winners.

As well as the many exclusive prizes available on the night, over £250,000 was pledged for the purchase of vital diagnostic equipment and life-saving epilepsy alarms which the Muir Maxwell Trust regularly give to families and hospitals throughout the UK.

Host Natasha Kaplinsky (winner of the first series of BBC Strictly Come Dancing) was supported by fellow dancer and former newsreader, Angela Rippon and in keeping with the ballroom theme, British dance champions, Ian Sharpe and Victoria Lawrence, also performed on the night, with music from the London Symphony Orchestra.

The Muir Maxwell Trust, based in Edinburgh, supports children with severe epilepsy and is renowned for spectacular fundraising events. The £1,012,377 raised on Saturday night took the charity well past its £3million fundraising mark – an amazing sum for a charity to raise in four years with only two part-time staff!