A fundraising ball held at the Macdonald Marine Hotel in North Berwick has raised more than £30,000 for the Reverse Rett charity.

The ball was organised by Catherine McKinney, mum of four-year-old Eliza McKinney, who has Rett Syndrome, alongside Lindsey Niznik, Sarah Thomson and Hannah Hughes.

It took place recently at the North Berwick hotel, with former Scotland rugby captain Jason White among those in attendance.

He gave a Scots Grace, while Rachel Bloom, executive director of Reverse Rett, talked about the work of the charity.

Stuart Cobb, a scientist from Glasgow University, explained that they are working on a cure for Rett Syndrome, which is a rare condition that affects the development of the brain.

It can cause severe physical and mental disability that begins in early childhood, and affects approximately one in every 10-12,000 females and is only rarely seen in males.

Eliza was diagnosed last summer, and she is unable to perform simple tasks like walking and talking.

At the time of her diagnosis, Catherine and husband Ross described it as “the wost possible outcome”, after their daughter had undergone lengthy tests.

The couple, though, believe there may be a cure found for the rare neurological condition in their daugher’s lifetime, and have set about raising awareness, and funds, for Reverse Rett.

At the ball, a silent auction was held, with the most popular items including a signed Andy Murray top. dinner at The Honours in Edinburgh and a painting by local artist Fee Dickson.

And Catherine confirmed that a magnificent £30,004 had been raised and said: “We’re thrilled with the total raised for Reverse Rett by The Hope for Eliza Ball.

“It would not have been possible without the help of individuals and businesses both locally and further afield, who provided sponsorship, donations and items for our auction. We had donations of prizes from as far away as London and Skye, and the local community really came together to help in any way they could.

“Everyone involved, whether a guest at the ball or a company providing sponsorship or a prize, has helped bring us one step closer to our goal of finding a cure for Eliza and other girls like her.” Rachael Bloom, executive director of Reverse Rett, added: “We are delighted that last week’s Hope for Eliza Ball has raised a staggering £30,004 for Reverse Rett. This figure is not only a testament to the generosity of the people of North Berwick but also to love and community spirit which surrounds this family, whose child was diagnosed with this devastating condition just last year. Whilst there is currently no cure for Rett Syndrome, treatment is on the horizon.”