Come Dine With Us, initially planned as a black tie event in your own home, adapted to the changing pandemic guidelines and offered an exclusive online auction with lots including an adventure holiday to Lanzarote, a Brompton bike, and a large, pink, plush unicorn.

“Our teams on the frontline have been an inspiration when it comes to rethinking services and delivering them differently, so when we couldn’t host our annual Gala Ball, and then Come Dine With Us was affected, we knew there would be a way we could still bring some virtual entertainment to our supporters,” said Karen Hay, events manager at Diverse Abilities. “We’re really thrilled to be ending the year on such a high and are so thankful to everyone for their ongoing support – we couldn’t do this without you all.

“We’re really looking forward to the Gala Ball returning to Lighthouse in 2021. Make sure you have Saturday November 6 pencilled in your diaries and here’s hoping we’ll be able to all celebrate together in the same room.”

The monies raised at the auction go towards providing care for adults and children with disabilities across Dorset. During this festive period, the charity is providing 8,000 hours of care for those who need it most at a cost of more than £175,000.

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk for details about the charity and its services including a specialist school, activity and play sessions, an adults therapy and day centre, domiciliary care, and providing support and advice.