ALTON Hockey Club enjoyed an extremely successful fundraising event earlier this month which raised nearly £10,000 to add to the fund for a new pitch.

Eggar’s School hall was transformed with beautifully decorated tables, a live band and dance floor. In addition to club members and friends, the guest of honour was Olympic gold medallist Alex Danson, who attended with her sister Claire, who is now a professional triathlete. Alex and Claire both started their hockey careers at Alton.

After the delicious hog-roast, attendees enjoyed a game of heads or tails, led by Alex, and an extensive raffle.

Alex then spoke about her roots, how proud she was to be returning to her first club and how she was really excited to be helping in the next stage of the club’s development and was impressed with the aspirations of the club. She generously offered a masterclass for the junior section which will take place at the start of next year.

After Alex’s inspiring talk, bidding in the main auction got underway with prizes ranging from a week’s stay in a villa in the South of France, tickets to the rugby Aviva Premiership final, tickets to see Southampton Football Club and the main prize, a hockey stick used in the Rio Olympic final, signed by Alex.

Following the auction, the live band performed two sets enabling everyone to dance the night away.

An excellent evening was had by all and the fund for the new pitch now stands at £36,500, which has been raised in just one year. For more information visit www.altonhockeyclub.co.uk