A Southampton-based charity raised over £45,000 at its annual ball.

Heartbeat, which supports cardiac care, held its Beef & Bid Autumn Ball at the Leonardo Royal Grand Harbour Hotel on November 9.

The event was supported by guests, sponsors Barratt David Wilson Homes Southampton Division, and Storage on Site.

Marking the 20th year of the event, the charity announced its first-ever mass participation event with the aim to raise more than £100,000 for renovating the Heart Failure Unit at University Hospital Southampton.

The funds will help maintain the unit's status as a UK centre of excellence.

Next year there will be a new event, named Heart & Stroll, set for June 29, 2025.

Participants will walk up to 5K around Southampton Common to raise money for the Heart Failure Unit.

The event was created by Heartbeat CEO Mark Ind, whose son, Alex, has undergone four major open-heart surgeries due to a congenital heart condition.

Mr Ind said: "Heart & Stroll is just that. We want people to focus on and think about how they can look after their heart by taking part in this gentle exercise.

"At the same time, we want to give them the space to think about loved ones affected by heart disease. It’s a fantastic way to raise money for the cardiac unit while having a lot of fun in the process."

The 'Beef and Bid' Ball, hosted by comedian Aaron James, brought together more than 300 guests for entertainment by The Deloreons, auctions, a raffle, games, and a three-course dinner.

Auction highlights included a round of golf with ex-Saints footballers James Beattie and Paul Jones, tickets for ELO’s last concert in Hyde Park, and a place in the 2026 London Marathon.

Since its start in 2003, 'Beef & Bid' has raised thousands of pounds for Heartbeat and the Wessex Cardiac Unit, supporting patients with serious cardiac conditions and their families.

The funds have also helped maintain Heartbeat House, which provides accommodation for families of patients at the Wessex Cardiac Unit.