Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson was among over 400 guests at The Valley for the charity dinner.

As speeches were made and auctions carried out, there was a vivid reminder of the reason why everyone was present in SE7. Outside in the north-west quadrant, the darkness was broken only by a solitary spotlight, picking out the seat that Knox, who was murdered in May 2008, used to sit in.

A Charlton shirt bearing his name on the reverse was draped over the seat, and Charlton Community Trust chief executive Jason Morgan said the event was both a fitting tribute and a great opportunity to heighten awareness of the danger of street violence.

"The evening was a huge success," he said. "We will know the exact amount that was raised in the next few days, but it was certainly more than £25,000. We were overwhelmed by the support we achieved, and I would like to thank Sir Paul Stephenson, Barry and Margaret Mizen and Richard Taylor in particular for attending."

The Mizens are the parents of Jimmy, who was stabbed to death in Lee in the same month as Knox, while Taylor is the father of Damilola, who was killed in 2000.

"It was a very emotional night and I thought the speeches made by Sally and Colin Knox brought home the message that tougher sentences were required for anyone caught carrying a knife," added Jason.

In addition to the speeches and auctions, there was a musical number performed in memory of Rob, and comedian and impressionist Kevin Connelly, of BBC show Dead Ringers, also performed.

Said Morgan: "I would like to thank my fellow committee members, Gary Allen, Neville Maw, Steve Sutherland, Peter Varney and, of course, Sally and Colin, for all their hard work in organising the amazing evening.

"The trust will continue to deliver messages about street violence into schools across Greenwich, Bexley and Kent as part of Street Violence Ruins Lives campaign, and work to divert young people to positive activities.

"This kind of evening not only highlighted our work alongside Colin and Sally, it gave everybody an opportunity to reflect on the life of Rob."

Jason added: "I would also like to thank everyone who attended, especially those who generously donated to the cause on the evening. Also, special thanks to the Daily Mirror and Sky, plus PHB construction Ltd, C&M contracts (UK) Ltd, INTEN and Regular Cleaning Services Ltd for their sponsorship of the night."

Photos from the evening can been viewed by visiting www.cact.org.uk/robknox/gallery.php