The region’s largest entrepreneurial network, the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, has exceeded its annual fundraising target by raising almost £40,000 during its 20th anniversary dinner.

The Forum, which was founded in 2002 by Sir Peter Vardy and Lorna Moran OBE, had revealed its £20,000 fundraising target at the beginning of the year, a sum to mark its 20th anniversary.

During its birthday celebrations held at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead recently, guests supported the fundraiser by engaging in a silent auction and through direct donations to charities and good causes, where every pound raised to the value of £10,000 was matched by an anonymous donor.

Funds from the silent auction will support Business Beats Cancer Newcastle and The Prince’s Trust Women Supporting Women campaign.

Speaking about the fundraiser, Entrepreneurs’ Forum CEO Elaine Stroud said, “It was a brilliant event last night and raising nearly £40,000 is overwhelming.

“The funds will support vital work, from lifesaving cancer research to life-changing work with young women.”

To support their nominated charities further, the Forum team are now preparing for their charity challenge, a 27 mile walk around Kielder Water on Saturday 2nd July.