Comedian Jo Caulfield hosted a masked charity ball at Church House Westminster last week (Thursday November 24) which raised funds for medical training abroad.

The inaugural annual ball was organised by the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive Surgery and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) to celebrate its 70th anniversary and raise money for the work of the British Foundation for International Reconstructive Surgery and Training (BFIRST).

BFIRST is a charity where volunteer plastic surgeons train surgeons in resource poor countries in reconstructive surgery for burns, trauma and birth defects so they can treat their own patients without help from abroad. By working closely with BAPRAS and its members, BFIRST can draw on the large and diverse skills of the membership of the parent association to carry out its work.

As part of the evening’s theme, organisers produced hand painted masks made especially for the ball – each with a unique design with feathers and jewels with all donations from the sale going to the charity. Combined with an auction held on the night, with many exciting items, the charity was hoping to raise £25,000 – an amazing total from the 250 guests attending.

Helen Roberts from BAPRAS commented: “Our masked ball was a wonderful occasion. Not only did people enjoy themselves in the surroundings of Church House Westminster, but raised money for a great cause at the same time. We appreciate the support shown to our inaugural ball and everybody should be proud of their fundraising efforts. Without events like this we wouldn’t be able to continue support BFIRST and the work it does. The success of our first annual ball will hopefully continue in years to come.”

Situated in the heart of Westminster, Church House Westminster has AIM Gold accreditation and is one of the London most versatile event venues, accommodating between 2 and 664 guests. For more information please visit our contact page call 0207 390 1590.