Last Friday saw celebrities, supporters and those affected by Sepsis coming together on UK Sepsis Trust Inaugural Charity Ball.

Held at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel in London, the evening was hosted by ITN News at Ten anchor Mark Austin and was sponsored by Brightstar Financial. Celebrities in attendance included Gary and Danielle Lineker.

In total, over £30,000 was raised on the night. Among the fundraising activities was a live auction, led by charity auctioneer and former England cricket captain, Chris Cowdrey. Prizes were donated by celebrity guests, including a visit to the ITN newsrooms, a private box at the O2 and a tour of the Match of the Day Studios.

Sepsis is the current term for septicaemia, or blood poisoning. The disease kills over 8 million people worldwide each year: more people than AIDs, prostate and breast cancer combined, and recent data shows that sepsis claims even more lives globally than tobacco does.

Rob Jupp, who lost his sister in law to Sepsis in 2011, said: “I am thrilled that we have been able to raise such substantial sums for the UK Sepsis Trust. Clare, my wife and fellow director, has been instrumental in organising not only the ball but also many other events during the year for this very worthy charity.

“I would also like to thank my friends and peers in the industry, who have so magnificently rallied round to make this evening such a success.”