Celtic FC Foundation held its eighth annual fundraising Gala in London last night (Thursday) and it raised a phenomenal total in the excess of £760K.

Over 150 guests attended the special gathering in the stunning Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge – including a host of former Celts in Joe Hart, Scott Brown, Stiliyan Petrov, Brian McClair, Paul Elliott and Joe Ledley, as well as rock and roll icon, Sir Rod Stewart.

The Gala was hosted by Shebahn Aherne and included a fantastic set from Heather Small, the sensational voice behind 90s dance group, M People.

Guests were also treated to live music from Gala regulars, the Troubadours, who made their way around the tables, providing their own unique brand of entertainment and there was also a set from iconic Irish music group, the Dublin Legends, who belted out a number of Irish folk classics, getting guests on their feet and singing along.

Former Celtic goalkeeper, Joe Hart, took part in a fantastic Q&A segment, as he shared numerous stories and memories from his playing career, including his hugely successful three-year spell at Celtic.

Then ahead of the live auction and pledge drive – which were hosted by Des McKeown – we heard from Stephanie Drew. Stephanie’s son, Sean, tragically passed away in May of this year, having faced a degenerative brain condition for several years. In what was a very emotional part of the evening, Stephanie showed immense courage, as she shared her family’s story and highlighted the importance of the support Sean received over a number of years from the Foundation.

Funds raised will support a variety of Foundation initiatives including Paradise Pit Stop in Glasgow, Community Games London, and Ability Counts in Ireland, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone involved, including our sponsors M&D Green and C&S Group.

Celtic FC Foundation’s Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton, said: “We are very grateful to so many people and businesses who support us across the year and at events like last night in London.

“Our projects are intended to have a positive outcome for many ordinary people in our communities who are marginalised or living in poverty, and last night demonstrated that we have the backing to continue that work.

“We are blown away with the response. Thank you to all of the table holders, our guests, the live entertainers, and everyone who donated prizes for the auction.

“Thanks also to the former and current Trustees of the Foundation, directors of the football club, and an incredible and committed pool of former players and celebrities who believe in what we are trying to do.

“A final thanks to Stephanie and Paul Drew for their ongoing support of our work in unimaginable circumstances. None of this would be possible without all of those people coming together.”

Great success once again for Celtic FC Foundation at London Gala Dinner