A Suffolk art event held to boost research into breast cancer and help sufferers has raised £220,000 – breaking all records and exceeding organisers’ dreams.

It means the three Art for Cure exhibitions and sales, held in 2014, 2016 and last weekend have now raised more than £500,000.

Belinda Gray, one of the founders of the event, said everyone involved was “very proud” to have reached such a milestone.

She said: “Thank you so much to everyone who has planned, actioned, exhibited, volunteered, visited and of course purchased art.

“It is an incredible contribution from our Suffolk community and we are absolutely thrilled to have reached this amazing figure.

“Our trustees will be assessing applications for potential donations and research projects at Breast Cancer Now and will keep you updated as to our selection for 2018.”

Funds have been donated so far to vital breast cancer research projects via the UK’s largest breast cancer charity, Breast Cancer Now, and to specific services for those affected by breast cancer in East Anglia .

Art for Cure was held at Glemham Hall for three days over the May Day bank holiday weekend, attracting thousands of visitors, with a wide range of art work on show – and for sale – including fine art, sculpture and photography from dozens of artists, including some of the country’s greatest and boldest new talent.

Sales of art over the weekend amounted to £400,000 with 50% from a painting, print or photograph and 30% from a sculpture going to the charity fund.

The event included a silent auction of canvasses donated from every artist, and huge scale and highly collectable work inspired by the travels of Claudia Legge, Bowie photography from the estate of the late Brian Duffy and Rolling Stones chic captured by internationally renowned Gered Mankowitz.

A new exhibition called BLUE DOT, showcased new and emerging talent curated by Phoebe Pryor, while fine artists included Sara Johnson with abstract watercolours; Catherine Richardson with paintings of everyday moments; along with Matt Maddocks’ outdoor sculpture; and bronzes by John O’Connor.