A record-breaking charity dinner staged in Carbis Bay raised £160,428 for the Cornwall Air Ambulance. 

The event, organised by the Cornwall Air Ambulance Philanthropy Forum, Carbis Bay Estate, was held at the Ugly Butterfly. 

The evening brought together some of the South West’s most talented chefs – Adam Handling, Jude Kereama, Paul Ainsworth, Chris McClurg, Eddy Rains, Jamie Park, Tim Kendall, Simon Davies, Craig Barrett and South West Junior Chef of the Year, Freya Barrett, who put together an incredible array of personalised dishes using the best of local, seasonal Cornish produce.  

The menu included Falmouth Bay scallop dumplings, BBQ lobster, fillet of beef, Ele quince and hazelnut and ‘Food Fight’ desert.  Compered by Daphne Skinnard along with performances from the Cornwall Youth Choir, Shane Solomon and West End star Lucie Jones who delighted the audience with songs from musicals including Les Misérables and Wicked.  

Renowned artist Sherree Valentine Daines  painted live a seascape canvas during the evening which was donated to the auction along with the many unique auction lots generously received from Cornwall businesses and beyond. 

Stephen Baker of Carbis Bay said: “We are so delighted to have raised so much for such a worthwhile cause. 

“Carbis Bay Estate is very proud to support Cornwall Air Ambulance, which is such an important part of the emergency services in the South West.  

“We look forward to raising more funds for them with our Coastal Christmas Market this December and invite all to come along for some festive cheer for such a great cause.” 

Cornwall Air Ambulance ambassador and Philanthropy Forum member Dr Karen Dickens said: “Monday was the most amazing evening, not only did we launch the HELi2 Appeal and our Jess’ Journey Christmas Campaign, but we managed to achieve a record-breaking fundraising total to kick start our fundraising for a second helicopter for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

"This is going to make such a difference to so many people and enable our incredible crew to continue to save lives and keep families together.”