A FUNDRAISING evening in memory of a popular 26-year-old from Ross, who lost her battle with cancer, raised more than £4,000.

A ball was held at Penyard House in Weston under Penyard on November 15 in memory of Leeanne Davies.

The former John Kyrle High School pupil, who was training to be an accountant, passed away on May 22 this year.

She was diagnosed with a rare adrenal cancer less than eight months earlier.

Her friends, Emma Foster, Lynsey Innes, Diane Pugh, Jessica Barley and Helen Powles, organised the ball, which raised money for a charity which Leeanne supported.

The group said: "We want to say a huge thank you to Penyard House and their fantastic staff for holding the event and looking after us all, also thank you to all companies and people who donated prizes to the 24 prize raffle and some great auction prizes.

"It was wonderful to see so many people attending the event for an amazing young lady and her chosen charity – The Michael Cullen Cancer Research Charity.

"We are looking to hold future events continuing to raise money for a worthy charity."

During the evening, for which 180 tickets were sold, there was entertainment from magician Richard Parsons, music from The Animators and three casino tables.

Auction prizes included a week's adventure holiday from PGL; a Hilton night stay with dinner for a family and Ted Baker bags.

The top three raffle prizes were theatre and dinner for two in London; champagne afternoon tea for two (both donated by Nationwide Building Society) and a George Forman grill (donated by Sainsbury's).

Leeanne lived in Ross with her mum and dad, Jackie and Garry and sister, Jade. More than 450 people attended her funeral at St Mary’s Church.

Garry, Jackie and Jade want to thank everyone for their kind love and support so far and said they felt proud on the evening to see so many friends and family members attending to support Leeanne’s chosen charity.

From the ball £4208.56 was raised which, along with various other charity fundraising events organised by other friends and family members, this brings the total to more than £13,000.