Michael ‘Eddie the Eagle’ Edwards was guest speaker at Portsmouth Property Association’s 101st annual charity dinner.

The first British ski jumper since before World War Two, famously finishing last in both the 90m and 70m events and inspiring a hit movie, shared his underdog stories with the audience at Portsmouth’s Royal Maritime Club.

“If you have a dream, go for it,” the guest speaker told the cheering guests at the black-tie event. “Don’t let anything stop you.”

A total of £6,600 was raised, with donations from auctioned lots and raffle prizes going to four charities adopted by PPA chairman Iain Morrison.

As is customary with the PPA, a donation was made from funds to the Lord Mayor’s charities, Aurora New Dawn, Honor Waite Charity and Portsmouth Hospitals Charity.

Morrison said: “These are great causes which make a positive difference to many local lives – PPA is proud to support them.”

Formed in 1920, the PPA brings together estate agents, surveyors, lawyers, brokers, architects and other professional advisers.

The dinner event took place after a two-year interval due to the pandemic.

“The annual charity dinner is one of the highlights of the PPA calendar,” Morrison added.

“It was lovely to see new and familiar faces following the event’s three-year break due to the pandemic. Our guest speaker embodied resilience – a quality shown by PPA members during difficult times for the UK.”