Charity bowled over by business donations

This year 's NSPCC Laughter Ball at Edgbaston Cricket Ground raised an incredible £72,500 for the children 's charity.

Companies from across the West Midlands including Barratt Homes, Lamborghini, Clarke Wilmott, Birmingham City Football Club, Boost & Co and Elonex supported the event with sponsorship from the McAuliffe Group and St Elmo Associates.

Entertainment was provided by Chloe Barry, the Subterraneans, and dance troop Eternal Taal, and funds were raised through an auction with lots including artwork by Paul OZ, a holiday in Marbella and an advertising package donated by Elonex.

Guests also took part in games and challenges and made pledges after hearing from an NSPCC speaker who spoke about her own experience suffering from abuse.

Garry Peal, chairman of the NSPCC Birmingham Business Board, said: “The annual Laughter Ball is one of the most important fundraising events in the whole country for the NSPCC as it brings in crucial funding for the charity so we can run essential services such as Childline.

“Despite being a large organisation, the NSPCC relies on public donations for the majority of its income and this money will change the lives for children and young people living in Birmingham, the West Midlands and beyond. ”

Amanda Synott, the NSPCC 's Community Fundraising manager for Birmingham, said: “This year 's Laughter Ball was a fantastic evening and we 're just over the moon about the money raised. A staggering £72,500 is absolutely amazing and will be a vital cash injection for the charity.

“It is incredible when great local businesses come together to raise money for such an important cause. I would like to give a massive thanks to the event 's sponsors, McAuliffe Group and St Elmo Associates, and to everyone who came along to help make it a super special night for the NSPCC. Thanks to you, we can continue helping those children and young people who need help when they have no one else to turn to. ”

Pictured: Paul Oz (right), artist, and Sherina Bralee (left), who won Oz 's painting in the auction