Prince Harry's cousin Ben Elliot, 42, showed big-hearted charitable gestures run in the family when he hosted a celebrity poker night to raise money for Grenfell tower victims. The philanthropist and businessman raised more than £135,000 at the Quintessentially Foundation event, sponsored by party poker, at The Ned in London attended by 250 guests including Lady Alice Manners, Otis Ferry, Spiderman Tom Holland, rapper Stormzy, Boxer Carl Froch and celebrity chef Melissa Hemsley.
Guests were treated to a lavish champagne reception accompanied by canapés of lobster, tiger prawns, rump of lamb and truffled mac and cheese before being tempted with prizes such as an Aston Martin Millbrook Performance Driving Experience, a luxury Mykonos holiday and a $12,000 Caribbean Poker Party package during the match.
Ben Elliot giving a speech at the special event
"It was a rip roaring success," said Ben of the evening. "Everyone was in high spirits, and a lot of money was gambled for charity. The aim was to raise much needed funds for Rugby Portobello Trust, which sits in the shadow of Grenfell tower.
"A year on from that ghastly tragedy there's an enormous outpouring of generosity towards that community. Individuals who've lost their parents are benefiting from the programmes."
Ben, whose aunty is The Duchess of Cornwall, credits his family upbringing for encouraging his charitable nature.
Spiderman actor Tom Holland helped raise money for the good cause
I was brought up to realise how privileged my sisters and I were and in a fortunate position to help," said Ben, whose charity endeavours also include supporting his late uncle Mark Shand's charity, Elephant Family and The Felix Project which deals with food waste and its redistribution.
"I'm the person who will cross the other side of the street to help and am bringing up my children with the same outlook. I volunteered immediately after Grenfell. When I was younger I lived near there and have friends there – it was a human tragedy and the only thing you can do is give your time and energy to help.
"I take great inspiration from the Prince of Wales, who is the best philanthropist in the UK. Every year we do a poker night, a bike ride, a quiz night and a carol concert, The Fayre of St James's. Since we started the Quintessentially Foundation in 2008, we have raised £11million.
Singer Stormzy was also in attendance
"My aim is to stimulate people's interests and their wallets to help those with serious problems; for me it's the right thing to do."
Quintessentially Foundation Poker Night in association with partypoker supporting Rugby Portobello Trust
