Trendy city centre restaurant Room played host to Summer In The City; the first in a programme of fund-raising events planned by the Harrogate-based Melorheostosis Association.

Auction prizes included a car, designer bathroom and luxury Riviera break – as well as several money-can’t-buy opportunities such as personal introductions to chat show host Michael Parkinson. Each was snapped up by guests keen to show their support for the charity; which was launched by Yorkshire businessman and Melo sufferer, Andrew Carnell.

“We knew we needed to make a high profile start to our fund-raising programme, and were delighted by the display of support and generosity,” he said. “Our campaign to find a cure for this wretched disease is now well and truly underway.”

Wildly unpredictable, the Melo disease instructs the body to grow unwanted bone, which is then deposited on joints causing severe pain and deformity as it does so. On x-rays – currently the only reliable way of detecting the disease - Melo makes affected bones look as though they’re coated with melted candle wax.

The UK Melorheostosis Association can be contacted at PO Box 167, Harrogate HG1 5WL. Telephone 01423 709993. For information call or email Martine Phipps (martine@melo.eu.com)