More than £29,000 has been raised for hospice care across Somerset at a glittering charity ball in Taunton.

St Margaret's Hospice Care confirmed its Masquerade Ball, held on Friday, 20 February at Taunton School, brought together supporters, businesses and friends of the charity for an evening of fundraising in aid of its services.

The black-tie event was sponsored by Turnbull Infrastructure & Utilities Ltd and featured a drinks reception followed by a three-course dinner. Guests embraced the masquerade theme, with masks worn throughout the evening.

Live band Tux Fizz provided the entertainment, while a Magic Mirror photobooth captured moments from the night.

A live and silent auction helped drive fundraising efforts, with prizes including a holiday to Tuscany, a Mulberry bag and a Tiffany necklace among the lots available. Organisers said bidding was "generous", contributing to the £29,000 total.

The evening also featured a video sharing Hayley's story about the care her father, Rob, received at St Margaret's Hospice's In-Patient Unit in Taunton following a stroke and declining health.

Hayley described the support her family received as "amazing".

"They actually spent time with my dad and cared about him genuinely, called him by his name," she said. "It was nice to know that they were making sure that Dad didn't need to suffer."

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She also spoke about staying in the hospice's Sunflower Suite, accommodation for relatives, and described the hospice as "priceless".

Michelle Long, Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser at St Margaret's Hospice, said the event showed strong community spirit.

"It was incredible to see so many people come together – wearing their masks, dancing, bidding and giving so generously – all to make a real difference," she said.

She added that the funds raised would help the hospice continue supporting people across Somerset who are facing a life-limiting illness.

St Margaret's Hospice provides free care and support to patients and families across Somerset, including care in patients' homes, a 24-hour advice line and specialist in-patient care in Taunton. As a charity, it relies on fundraising and donations to maintain its services.

The hospice thanked its headline sponsor, businesses and individuals who donated auction prizes, attendees, volunteers and staff for their support.

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