A SELL-OUT masquerade ball unmasked the generous side of partygoers and raised over £40,000 for Ardgowan Hospice.

The ball took place in Greenock Town Hall and was hosted by radio presenter Suzie McGuire.

The black tie dinner dance featured entertainment from The Bright Side and a magician and it was sponsored by Specsavers in Greenock.

The event was also backed by local businessman Brian Clements, of McTear’s Auctioneers in Glasgow, who conducted the grand auction, and Fort Matilda-based confectionery company Golden Casket, which provided chocolates for all the guests and donated a sweets hamper for a prize.

The ball raised a total of £43,365 and hospice bosses say it is a vital source of income for the organisation.

Ian Marshall, acting Ardgowan chief executive, said: “This event demonstrates the amount of community support from individuals and local businesses to the work we do to provide services to people and their families living with life-limiting conditions across Inverclyde.

“The hospice needs to raise over two-thirds of its everyday costs and the ball is one of the ways we help to continue to fund services.

“We thank all the attendees and supporters for their kindness and genuine support.”

The event is the charity’s biggest fundraiser of the year and among the guests was Brendan Donnachie, who delivered a heartfelt speech about the excellent level of care his father Joe received at the hospice.

The money raised at the ball could provide over 70 days of dedicated care at the in-patient unit for other Inverclyde families or fund 867 home visits from one of the organisation’s specialist community nurses — the equivalent of daily visits for almost nine months.

Lesley Brown, from event sponsors Specsavers Greenock, said: “We had a fabulous night at the Masquerade Ball and are so proud that we’re able to support a local cause to achieve these great results.”