The former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson was guest speaker at the event, which was staged by Bourne-based Larkfleet Homes, regaling guests with stories of his life in football’s top flight.

The aim of the evening was to raise funds for the Willow Foundation, which was set up by Bob and his wife, Megs, in memory of their daughter, Anna. The charity provides special treat days for seriously ill 16 to 40-year-olds

Anna died in 1998, aged just 31, after losing a brave fight against malignant schwannoma, cancer of the nerve sheath.

The charity’s name, Willow, stems from Anna’s nickname, and its aim is to replicate the positive impact special days had on both Anna and her family during her treatment.

The event was sponsored and hosted by the Larkfleet Group’s managing director, Karl Hick – who has also been hit by a family tragedy.

All proceeds from the event held at the Marriott Hotel, Lynch Wood, were donated to the Willow Foundation.

After his sporting career, Bob Wilson became a football television presenter, working first for the BBC from 1974 to 1994, as host of Football Focus.

He then presented for ITV until his retirement in 2002, fronting ITV’s UEFA Champions League. He still makes occasional appearances on television, on the BBC’s Football Focus and Match of the Day 2.

Mr Hick said: “We have selected The Willow Foundation as our company charity, as we feel this is a very worthwhile cause, and having had the loss of my sister-in-law at the age of 24 to a terminal illness I have personally experienced the sadness of losing a family member at an early age.”