A YOUNG woman who cared for her father during his battle with cancer is hosting a charity black-tie ball in his memory.

Laura Coker, of Malvern, has organised the dance to raise money for Cancer Research UK and raise awareness of the illness following the death of her father, Kevin, in August last year.

Miss Coker was her father’s full-time carer during his 18-month battle with the disease.

The 20-year-old, who has also taken part in fund-raising events such as the Race for Life, said she hopes to raise as much money as possible by organising the ball, which will be held at Hilton Puckrup Hall in Tewkesbury on April 26.

“I’m trying to raise a bit more money and awareness,” she said.

“It was too late for dad, but I’m raising awareness for other people.

“I’ve had a lot of cancer in my family, nearly everyone has been affected by it.

“My grandmother on my mother’s side is a survivor, she was so lucky.

“It’s a publicly-funded charity as well which is brilliant, so something as big as that deserves to get as much money as possible.”

Miss Coker said she hoped the black-tie event would appeal to people of all ages and get everyone involved.

“It’s just a bit more interesting. Everyone likes to dress up and glam up,” she said.

“I’ve done Race for Life and done face painting, but this appeals to more of an older audience – adults don’t want to get their faces painted.

“Hopefully, it’ll get more people interested. It’s something everyone can get involved in and be excited to get involved in.

“There’s only so many times people will sponsor you for the same event.”

Tickets for the ball, which starts at 7pm, cost £20 and include entry and food.

Miss Coker will also be holding a charity auction during the ball and is looking for companies to donate items.

For more information, or to buy tickets, visit justgiving.com/LauraCoker1301, e-mail laurarosecoker@hotmail.co.uk or you can visit facebook.com/events/ 591835067510901/.