A Suffolk woman has hosted a successful charity ball in remembrance of her grandmother who died from brain cancer.
The event brought together almost 200 participants and successfully raised thousands for Brain Tumour Research.
Jessica Hayward, a 30-year-old teacher, organised the event at the Victoria Hotel in Lowestoft on June 7.
She said: “All I wanted was for people to enjoy themselves and have a dance, which they did, and I even had people coming up to me asking if I’ll do it again next year.”
The charity gala was inspired by her nan, Christine Peek, who died from a glioblastoma shortly after her diagnosis on Christmas Day 2022.
Despite an operation in Cambridge, Christine, a retired driving instructor, became too weak for treatment and died on March 30, 2023.
Jessica, who lived with her grandparents during her childhood, wore a white sequinned dress that held a special significance.
She said: “Nan loved an occasion and was a big fan of getting dressed up.
"Nan and I had seen the same dress in a shop window and told each other about it.
"I wore it at my wedding on 30 December 2021 and again for the evening.
At the event, Jessica shared how people approached her with their own experience with the devastating disease.
She reflected that brain tumours are not as rare as people assume.
Charlie Allsebrook, a representative from Brain Tumour Research, said: “Christine’s story is a stark reminder that brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age.
"We’re determined to change this and it’s with the support of people like Jessica that will help us closer to find a cure for all types of brain tumours.”
The ball raised over £2000 towards improving research and potential treatments for brain tumours.
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