Celtic FC Foundation held its seventh annual fundraising Gala in London on Friday night and it raised a magnificent total in the region of £445,000.

Over 140 guests attended the special gathering in the stunning Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge - including Gordon Strachan, Kenny Dalglish, Shaun Maloney, Stiliyan Petrov, Simon Donnelly and Joe Ledley.

The Gala was hosted by Shebahn Aherne and included a fantastic set from former X Factor winner and current West End star, Alexandra Burke, who entertained the room with a mix of some classic covers, together with her own music.

Guests were also treated to live music from the fantastic Troubadours, who made their way around the tables, providing their own unique brand of entertainment, and there was a set from Irish singer/songwriter Sina Thiel, who belted out a number of Irish folk classics, which were massively popular choices for our guests, with all on their feet, singing along.

Former manager, Gordon Strachan, took part in a hilarious Q&A segment, as he shared numerous stories and memories from his time at Celtic – especially with Tommy Burns.

Then, ahead of the live auction and pledge drive, which were both hosted by Des McKeown, Celtic FC Foundation project participant, Dougie Wilson, shared his own personal and powerful story, emphasising the difference the Foundation has made to his journey and the subsequent impact on the challenges faced. It was a very emotional period of the evening, with guests in awe of Dougie’s courage, and he left the stage to a standing ovation.

Funds raised will support a variety of Foundation initiatives including Paradise Pit Stop in Glasgow and Community Games in both London and Ireland, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone involved, including our sponsors Danny O’Neill and C&S Group.

We would like to thank all table holders, guests, live entertainers and all of those who donated prizes for the auction.

Great success for Celtic FC Foundation at London Gala Dinner