HUNDREDS of guests helped a charity beat the £1 million fundraising mark by dancing the night away at its annual ball.

The Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation’s Feather Ball also smashed its previous total of £33,000 on the night, raising £56,464.

It meant the foundation, set up in memory of 19-year-old Tom who died at just 19 from a soft tissue sarcoma, could announce it had raised more than £1 million to help young people with cancer since its launch in 2014.

His mum Nikki Bowdidge, CEO and founder of the charity, said: “There were huge roars when we announced it on the night.

“The total doesn’t include the amazing £175,000 Tom raised for charity himself when he was diagnosed. We can’t think of a better way of continuing Tom’s legacy.”

More than 280 people attended where the surprise theme was musicals.

Nikki said: “I’d especially like to thank Lanswood Residential and Commercial Developments for being the Feather Ball’s main sponsor this year.”

The ball, held at Braxted Park near Witham for the first time in its six year history, featured live music, a silent auction, pianist and casino while the three course dinner was interrupted by the Crashing Waiters, incognito musicians who got guests involved.