The event at Hartlepool Rugby Club, which featured renowned broadcaster Derek Thompson, raised over £5,740 for the Hospice’s vital services.

It combined the excitement of a race night with a Q&A session with the legendary Derek, a familiar voice to sports fans from his work with BBC Five Live, At The Races, ITV, and Channel 4. 

Guests enjoyed an engaging insight into his career spanning five decades, alongside thrilling races, a raffle, an auction, plus pie and peas.

Greg Hildreth, Alice House’s Business and Communications Senior Manager, said: “It was lovely to be part of this night and the warmth and generosity in the room was overwhelming – the fabulous turnout and amount raised speak for themselves.

“All of this money will be used to provide care to the local patients and families accessing our services.”

The night was organised in collaboration with financial adviser Harrison Smith and local travel company True Blue Travel. 

Harrison, who also hosted the event, said: “It was a privilege to be involved in such a fantastic event for Alice House. 

“Seeing the community come together and raise such a significant amount fills me with pride. Knowing this money will directly support those in need makes all the effort worthwhile.”

The funds raised will go directly towards Alice House’s service provision, helping to fund the vital care and support they provide free of charge to local patients and families affected by incurable illnesses or the death of a loved one.

Greg also highlighted the importance of community support. As well as those who bought tickets and took part in the night, there was further support from Santander and English Martyrs School as well as race sponsors Exwold Technology, Rephrase, Magnum Properties, Portofino’s, Mayfield Insurance and DMB Wealth Management.

Greg added: “Without the kind of generosity from the businesses and people who made this event the success it was, we would not be able to offer our specialist support to the local community.

“A huge thank you goes to Harrison and True Blue Travel’s Andrew Bowden and Michael Gallagher, and of course to Derek who along with everyone else gave us such a brilliant night to remember.”

Alice House Hospice provides care and support to patients and families affected by life-limiting illness or the death of a loved one in Hartlepool, Tees Valley and East Durham. 

It costs over £3.6m to fund these services for one year, with the Hospice receiving just over 25 per cent of this in government funding, leaving a shortfall of over £7,000 to be raised every single day.