Supporters of leading regional heart charity have helped to raise an incredible £25,000 at its annual ‘Light up a Heart’ ball.

Held at the Hilton Ageas Hotel, the glittering event saw 130 guests enjoy a fun-filled evening of dinner, awards and music, including a performance from Motown royalty, Angelo Starr and the team.

Guests were also treated to the sounds of Malcolm Eyers, lead singer of popular local band Rufus Stone, and renowned local pianist Bobby Ward-Jones.

Throughout the evening there was an exciting charity auction and raffle in which participants dug deep in their pockets to help raise money for Wessex Heartbeats’ latest fundraising project - 3D heart modelling software.

Transforming the way heart surgery is performed in Southampton, the 3D printing program will support clinicians at the University Hospital Southampton, in the hope that it will encourage less evasive, and more accurate, pre-operative planning for surgery on children living with congenital heart disease.

Speaking about the pioneering technology on the night was Nicola Viola, congenital cardiac surgeon at the hospital: “3D printing is an incredible piece of technology and will improve the lives of many in the region, in particular children and babies.

"Fundraising forms such a huge part of being able to provide our patients with these revolutionary technological advances, so the amount raised at the ‘Light up a Heart’ ball is nothing short of extraordinary.

"We are so very thankful.”

John Munro, Wessex Heartbeat’s chief executive, said: “We had a fabulous evening and are extremely grateful for the generosity of our supporters.

"Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the UK and being able to raise funds for this revolutionary project is wonderful.

"We are currently at £60,000 so any donations will be greatly appreciated to get us to our target of £130,000.”