The party, organised by My Social Events, was at Sheffield United's Millennium suite at Bramall Lane and raised money to be split between the Children's Hospital Charity and Charlie's Trust.

Martyn, chief executive of FG Skerritt, said: "We had a fantastic night. My Social Events organised a truly wonderful evening, with cabaret dancers, a comedian, an amazing sleight of hand magician and a surprise birthday cake. We also raised a tremendous amount of money for charity with guests donating prizes for a raffle and an auction. The event was also at my favourite venue in Sheffield, Bramall Lane, so all round I had a birthday party to remember."

Tracey Owen, managing director of My Social Events, said: "It was a delight to arrange this birthday bash for Martyn and his guests and at the same time raise so much money for charity. We cannot thank people enough for their generosity. Martyn guessed that his family and friends might try to set up a surprise party and he joked about wanting to get something good out of turning 50. He decided to hire us and to magnanimously use his party as an opportunity to raise money for charity."

The evening included a raffle and an auction of a signed Sheffield United shirt, which went for £300, two signed copies of Gordon Ramsay's cook books which went for £135, plus an extra donation of £70; and a chef's white shirt signed by Gordon Ramsey which went for £215.

Martyn and Tracey also devised a novel way of raising more cash on the night. "I've always noticed how more women seem to get up and dance at these parties than men" said Martyn. "So I decided that every time the DJ put on a Barry White song, any man who did not immediately get to the dance floor would have to forfeit some money to charity. It was a win-win situation and it was very funny to watch as all the men tried to scramble to the dance floor in time!"

For further information contact Tracey Owen on 07920 808195 or email tracey@mysocialevents.co.uk

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