Black tie and tiara ball

Jeffery Archer with Monarch Cabin Crew

On Saturday 1 November top-selling novelist, Jeffrey Archer, came to Bedford to conduct the 'Star Auction' at the Macmillan Bedfordshire Ball – where a total of over £35,000 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Support through the auction, raffle and special donations.

The event, held at the Park Inn Hotel, was attended by 230 guests. The evening was compered by BBC 3 Counties Radio stars Mighty MP and Incognito, with dancing to LA Nights and a surprise opera interlude by the Singing Waiters.

There was a very emotional moment during the evening when Jeffrey Archer asked for guests to come on to the dance floor to pledge £150 each to support one Macmillan nurse/ carer for one day. 51 dancers came forward, adding another £7,650 to the donations. 

The event was supported by Luton based Monarch Airlines who collect donations for Macmillan on every international flight. Four Monarch cabin crew gave up their free time to attend and help at the function, with stewardess, Stephanie Hulme attracting a donation of £100 to sing to the guests - there was stunned silence and then thunderous applause as she gave a wonderful rendering of "Amazing Grace".