Party raises record sum 

Summer may be over, but the residents and businesses of Motcomb Street are still feeling a warm glow after raising £52,500 for charity. On 6 July, some 5,000 revellers flocked to the annual Motcomb Street summer party to enjoy Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart and George Michael tribute acts, delicious food and drink, an auction and a tree of life.

The cash they raised – the most in the event’s history – was split between the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and the Household Cavalry Operational Casualties Fund. It was handed over in a ceremony on 13 September.

Philip Lawless, chairman of the Motcomb Street Traders Association, which organised the party, paid tribute to his hard-working team. “The charities were also terrific,” he added.

Donna Goddard of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust said: “We can’t put into words how much this means to us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Lieutenant Colonel Dan Hughes of the Household Cavalry added: “This money will go directly to the families of servicemen killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The generosity of those involved in the street party has made me speechless.”

Pictured above, left to right, at the cheque presentation on 13 September: Trooper Bogar Agbetomefa of the Life Guards regiment; Donna Goddard; Lieutenant Colonel Dan Hughes; and Lance-Corporal Antony Capes of the Blues and Royals regiment. Photo: Mitzi de Margary