A charity raised a staggering £8,000 in one night and donated another £10,000 for a cause that changed the life of its founders.

After Joanne Green, and her daughter Natalia lost their husband and father Michael in December 2012, the pair set up the Michael Green Foundation to raise money and awareness of type two diabetes.

Around 180 guests joined them on Sunday night at Elstree’s Village Hotel to enjoy a combination of dinner and quiz rounds, while a short film was shown outlying the symptoms of the condition.

Joanne said: “We are so grateful to the generous individuals and local companies who donated to our raffle and auction.

“I want to give a special thanks to Richard Carlowe for running the quiz and auction, to Simone, Gary, Jeremy and Catherine who act as trustees with unwavering dedication and commitment, plus our committee and team of helpers on the night who ensured the smooth running of the event.”

Trustee Simone Silver and Natalia  Greenalso presented a cheque for £10,000 to the Michael Clements Diabetes Centre at Watford General Hospital for the second year running.

Dr Arla Ogilvie, who works at the centre, said: “We are truly grateful today for the gift. The £10,000 will enable us to fund the dietician that we need to get the most for our patients from the educational kitchen.

“I thank you so very, very much. Your energy and enthusiasm are an inspiration to us all. Michael would indeed have been very proud.”