The Manx MSA Trust held its summer ball at the Palace Hotel in Douglas and raised £27,230.

One hundred and eighty guests enjoyed an evening of entertainment and the chance to bid for auction items.

A terminal condition, with no current cure, MSA (Multiple System Atrophy) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder that affects autonomic nervous functions such as blood pressure, vision, balance and speech.

Niall Carey, head of communications for the charity said:

’Our summer ball is our biggest event of the year.

’Everyone had a great evening and of course we are delighted to have raised such a fantastic amount.

The charity founder, Chris Blake, sadly lost his battle with MSA in March, but we are determined to continue his vision for the charity, to support Manx MSA patients and their families, raise awareness of the condition among the Manx medical profession and further our research for an early diagnosis through a simple blood test.

’A huge thank you to all our supporters and sponsors, without whom, the event would not have been possible. In particular, I’d like to thank PokerStars, who have supported us for a third year running, through its corporate giving programme Helping Hands.