Harry Redknapp brings star quality to Worthing charity's Best of British lunch

The sold-out lunch at The Grand Hotel in Brighton raised more than £65,000 for Guild Care.

The football favourite and 2018 King of the Jungle on ITV's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! had plenty to talk about, entertaining the packed room of more than 500 business leaders, supporters and sporting fans. His on-stage conversation was filled with humour, insight and stories from his career, both on and off the pitch.

Warren Fabes, chief executive of Guild Care, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to all the guests who gave so generously to our services for people living with dementia and their loved ones, on what is often a very difficult journey.”

Guests were able to hear directly from people who benefit from Guild Care services for older people, people living with dementia, and the carers and loved ones alongside them.

Warren said: ““The donations will make a real difference to the charity, helping us reach more people like Darrell and Katrina, who kindly shared their dementia story with the Best of British audience. Their words are a powerful reminder of why our services, and events like this, matter.”

A standout moment was the Pay for a Day initiative, which raised £50,000 alone, with guests bidding £2,478 to fund a full day of Guild Care’s community dementia services, directly supporting frontline care provision and making a tangible difference to the people who rely on it.

Fundraising continued with a lively football-themed game and a charity auction, including an exclusive auction prize donated by crime author Peter James.

Warren said: “I’d like to thank our patron, bestselling author Peter James, for donating a very special auction prize, and the entire Best of British team for such a memorable and meaningful afternoon.”

The author offered a unique experience for the winning bidder, including the opportunity to feature in his next novel and spend a day on the set of hit TV drama Grace.

Ryan Heal, managing director of Best of British Events, said: “It was an incredible afternoon from start to finish. Harry was fantastic and really entertained the room but what stood out most was the generosity of everyone in attendance.

“To raise more than £50,000 through the Pay for a Day initiative alone is something we’re extremely proud of and when you combine that with the wider fundraising on the day, it’s clear just how much of an impact this event will have for Guild Care.

“We’re incredibly grateful to all our guests, sponsors and supporters who continue to make these events so special. It’s a real privilege to bring people together in this way and support such important work in our community.”

The annual Best of British Brighton lunch is hosted by Best of British Events. It combines networking, entertainment and fundraising, bringing together the south east business community.

Best of British will return to The Grand on Thursday, November 12, for its annual Gala Dinner. Guests will enjoy an evening of entertainment, fundraising and celebration, featuring special guest Anton Du Beke, all in support of Together Co., Brighton and Hove’s leading social health and loneliness charity.