A woman whose nan died just months after she was diagnosed with brain cancer has hosted a charity fundraising ball which raised more than £2,000 to help find a cure for the disease.
Almost 200 people dressed in their finest garb for the glamorous affair which was held at Victoria Hotel in Lowestoft on Friday 7th June. It was organised by primary school teacher, Jessica Hayward, inspired by her 74-year-old nan, Christine Peek.
Jessica (pictured top centre with family members) said: “The evening couldn’t have gone any better. Everyone’s generosity on the night and of local businesses that donated prizes for the raffle and games has been overwhelming. 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.”
Christine was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) on Christmas Day 2022. She had surgery at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge but became too weak for further treatment. She died on 30th March 2023, aged 74.
Jessica wore a fabulous sequinned white gown for the occasion which held a special meaning for her and her nan. “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 30th December 2021 and again for the evening.”
She added: “People at the event came up to me to tell me of their own experience and how they’ve lost loved ones to the disease. It made me realise that brain tumours aren’t rare. Hosting the ball was my way of honouring my nan and bringing hope to future generations diagnosed with the disease.”
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