Wet weather failed to put a dampener on a night of fun and fundraising as the fourth annual Valero Charity Ball took place on September 9, with yet another major amount being raised for the refinery’s charity of the year, HOPE MS Therapy Centre.

Some 340 guests from Valero, contract companies and suppliers enjoyed a glamorous gala evening at the idyllic Woodhouse Barn, Rosemarket. In addition to ticket sales, a raffle and silent auction on the evening netted £11,500 for the charity, which was handed over to representatives from HOPE at special cheque presentation at the refinery.

Tracy Gratton, HOPE Centre deputy manager, said: “2016 is a very special year for HOPE, as we celebrate our 30th anniversary of helping sufferers of MS and other neurological conditions in Pembrokeshire, but also as we have enjoyed being Valero’s Charity of the Year. We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received throughout the year, especially for this astounding amount raised at the Charity Ball, which is going to go directly to help people in need here in our county. Valero’s support has been overwhelming, and if anyone would be interested in volunteering their time to help us with our work, please get in touch or pop in to the centre in Honeyborough.”

Richard Jelley, chairman of the Valero Volunteer Council, said: “The Valero Charity Ball is a wonderful opportunity for the whole refinery community to come together and enjoy a truly special evening as we celebrate all that we do in the community. Since we started organising the annual charity ball back in 2013 we have raised some amazing funds for charity, and this year was no exception as we all raised this incredible amount for HOPE.”