JK Rowling Raises Funds for MS Charity  3/19/06

Harry Potter creator JK Rowling's masquerade charity ball raised over $340,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society Scotland, yesterday (17MAR06).

Hollywood actor Robbie Coltrane, who stars as Hagrid in the wizardry movie series, attended, while British TV star Neil Morrissey compered the gala at Scotland's historic Stirling Castle.

The evening saw prizes including a diamond necklace, lunch at The Ivy with acclaimed UK journalist Jeremy Paxman and the chance to be a hero or villain in Ian Rankin's next novel, auctioned to celebrity guests.

Debilitating condition, Multiple sclerosis (MS), killed Rowling's mother, aged just 45.