Katherine Jenkins' Gala Dinner

23rd November 2009

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The Katherine Jenkins & Friends Gala Dinner proved a very enjoyable and successful evening despite missing one vital ingredient – the star herself.

Unfortunately for her fans and loyal BFF supporters, Katherine was taken so ill on the day that she was confined to her bed under doctor's orders.

Her partner, television presenter Gethin Jones, did attend the dinner and told guests that Katherine was "gutted" not to have been able to make it along.

However, Katherine's 'Friends' stepped into the breach to deliver a fantastic evening's entertainment. Icelandic opera star Gardar Thor Cortes was joined on stage by the award-winning choir Only Men Aloud to open proceedings, and both acts returned to perform their own numbers.

Comedy came from BFF favourite Kev Orkian who captivated the audience inside the wonderful marquee at the Royal Hospital Gardens, Chelsea with his humour and musicianship.

The raffle, silent and loud auctions plus the 'Are you a diamond or a mug?' lottery helped to raise in excess of £40,000 for the Charity.

Thank you to all those who attended and everyone involved in generously supporting this event in particular Title Sponsors of the evening Mr Steven and Mrs Gillie Lamprell, and Platinum Sponsors Mr Paul Hayes & Mr Tony Lock, Mr David Wall, Boeing and Nettwerk Music Group.

Having recovered from the illness, Katherine said: "To all the supporters who came to the event, I was, and still am, absolutely devastated not to have been able to have made it. I hear that the evening was a great success so thank you for your support and understanding.

"You were all in my thoughts (from my hospital bed) throughout the evening and as Mark said, the event was about the fantastic people The British Forces Foundtion supports, especially those away from home now and raising as much money for them as possible, which we did."

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