More than 100,000 pounds has been raised for the Chelsea Past Players' Trust (CPPT), it was confirmed today (Friday).

The announcement came at the Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO) annual lunch at the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane.

CPO has been instrumental in fundraising for the trust and the formation of the CPPT was announced at the CPO lunch in 2006. Around £65,000 of the total has been spent so far to improve the well being of 12 former players.

One of those players, Chic Thompson (pictured left with Peter Bonetti), attended the lunch after a successful operation for a heart condition paid for by the Trust. Thompson, Chelsea goalkeeper from 1952-57 and part of the First Division Championship winning side of 54/55, is now 78.

He suffered a blackout whilst watching cricket earlier this year. After having a check up he was diagnosed with a heart condition.

Chelsea PPT paid for him to have the surgery immediately. He had two heart surgery procedures and was recently given the all clear.

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck, who represented owner Roman Abramovich and the board at the lunch, said: 'We are all delighted that Chic is here today fit and healthy. He is a great example of the work the Trust is doing.

'It is always an honour to attend the CPO lunch where we have an opportunity to celebrate and pay tribute to the contribution of our past players and managers.

'The club is delighted they are now back in the Chelsea family.'

An auction was held to raise funds for the CPPT with the comedian Bobby Davro as auctioneer.

Prizes included the opportunity to be chairman of Chelsea for a day at a game and the chance for a team of Chelsea fans to play football at Cobham against the Chelsea Old Boys.

More than 500 guests enjoyed the company of 60 past players and managers including Roy Bentley, Tommy Docherty, Peter Bonetti, Pat Nevin, Clive Walker, Jason Cundy, Ken Monkou and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

Marcel Desailly was the guest of honour and was inducted as a CPO vice-president joining Pat Nevin, Ray Wilkins, Dennis Wise and David Webb who are also VPs.

The lunch was compered by Matt Lorenzo while Chelsea fan and comedian Omid Djalili provided entertainment.

One of Britain's most popular stand-up comedians, Djalili recently performed in front of Prince Charles as part of the heir to the throne's 60th birthday celebrations.