JK Rowling raises £320k for charity

Jun 1 2008 By Billy Paterson

WRITER JK Rowling helped to raise £320,436 for multiple sclerosis with a lavish event at a Scottish mansion.

The Harry Potter author, whose late mum Anne had MS and who is patron of the Multiple Sclerosis Society Scotland, hosted the charity's Enchanted Garden Ball at Harburn House, West Lothian, on Friday.

The MC for the night, attended by 250 guests from entertainment and business, was comedian Peter Kay.

Among the guests were Rebus author Ian Rankin, singer Charlotte Church and actress Joely Richardson with Russian billionaire boyfriend Evgeny Lebedev.

They were treated to a banquet, music and dance.

Lord Harry Dalmeny, of Sotheby's, presided over the auction, which raised £126,000 and featured prizes such as a week-long trip to Richard Branson's private Necker Island.

One popular item was the chance to be immortalised as a wizard or witch in a portrait at the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park in Florida.

Charity fundraising manager Glenda MacKenzie said the sum raised broke all previous records.