Hosted by Christopher Biggins,  guests included Alesha Dixon ( pictured with Paul and Irene Strank)

The Gala took place at Bank of England Sports Centre. The gala raised money for the Paul Strank Charitable Trust, a newly launched Wimbledon-based Charity.  The Paul Strank Charitable Trust will be supporting local charities including Shooting Star Chase Children’s Hospice, Children in Need and the AFC Wimbledon Foundation.

The Gala Dinner was also attended by Costas & Maria Polycarpou founders of Polyteck Group; Dimitri & Tania Antoniou from Omega Lettings now part of the Mears Group; George & Stella Constant from Philip Ross Solicitors; Nick & Andrea Charles, Owners of Charles Accountants; Alex & Tina Christofi, owners of EAGK Accountants and Nick & Marie Charalambous from Empyrean Developments. Councillor Stephen Alambritis,Leader of Merton Council, spoke at the event.

Paul and Greek Cypriot Irene Strank have been raising money for a variety of good causes over the years; using their business, Paul Strank Roofing, as a springboard, they have helped thousands of people in and around South London, as well as the wider UK. Their sustained fundraising efforts were recognised in 2013 with Paul receiving an MBE for services to charity and the community in the Queen’s Birthday honours list.

Through their drive and passion for helping others, it is estimated that the pair have raised, donated or sponsored more than £2m for charity and the community over the past 30 years and the Paul Strank Charitable Trust has now been set up enable their fundraising to climb to new heights.

Paul said: “Our focus has always been on the most disadvantaged in our community with a particular emphasis on helping children in need and their families so we’re thrilled to have launched the Charitable Trust – a grant making charity which will continue this ethos in providing vital funding and support to those most in need of our compassion and help.”