Mark Wright at Haven House children's hospice fundraising ball

Attendees at Haven House Children’s Hospice's ball watched a film about a two-year-old girl who died from cancer and was cared for at the facility.

It told the story of Adam and Naomi Tuckwell and their daughter Orla, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2022. Orla had intense treatment for six months, finally ringing the end-of-treatment bell last April.

But heartbreak for Adam and Naomi a few months later when Orla’s cancer returned. Orla’s treatment moved to end-of-life palliative care and she sadly passed away at Haven House in August.

The couple were guests at the ball at the London Marriott Hotel in Woodford Green on March 6 that raised a record £200,000. They had a standing ovation when they were introduced to Mark, who has championed Haven House through his football and television careers.

“It’s a privilege to be part of this family,” Mark said. “Haven House is there from the time a diagnosis is made to support families every step of the way, ensuring they can make the most of the precious time they have together.

“But the hospice would not exist without the community. We come together in honour of the children and young people who inspire us each day.”

It costs around £6 million a year to run Haven House, guests were told. The fundraising dinner itself was sponsored by the Chigwell group, the Media People and others.

Haven House provides specialist care and support to more than 400 seriously-ill children and their families from North East London, West Essex and East Hertfordshire.

Mark Wright has been a champion for Haven House as a television personality, football pundit and professional footballer. He is best known as a cast member in The Only Way is Essex and later I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here and has been on Strictly Come Dancing.

He played for West Ham, Arsenal and Spurs during his youth career between 1994 and 2005 before going on to play for clubs in Essex, Hertfordshire and Sussex until 2021.