A CHARITY-minded trio of friends banded together to join the fight against cancer by hosting a charity ball last month.

Alice O’Neill, Lily Fitch and Katy Bassett, all 18 and from Worcester, organised the black tie ball and raised £10,000 for cancer research.

Hosted at Worcester Warr-iors rugby club, 280 people including friends, family and corporate sponsors attended the event.

They chose to raise funds for cancer research as it is a disease that has directly impacted the group of friends in the past.

Alice’s grandfather lost his battle with cancer three years ago and Katy’s mum, Judy Bassett, is currently continuing her battle with the disease.

Alice, who is going to Cardiff University to study geography next year after she has returned from her travels to Thailand and Aus-tralia, said: “We didn’t expect to make that much, we just wanted to make a bit of profit.

“We are all very happy with how it went and I think all our families are very proud of us.

“It was great to see Katy’s mum doing well and she gave a speech at the ball.

“We wanted to help cancer research as we have been affected by it, but it was very much a team effort between all three of us, everyone played an equal part in it.

“This was my first charity event so I’m glad it was a success, even if it was pretty stressful organising it all.”

Planning for the event star-ted six months ago and news of the event was mostly spread through word of mouth and it was up to the trio to contact the appropriate people.

They reached the raised amount through ticket sales, donations, business sponsors purchasing tables to attend the ball and holding a silent auction.

Friends and family donated prizes for the auction, including a signed Chelsea FC shirt and a pair of Manchester United star, Nemanja Vidic’s, football boots.

Music was provided by jazz band King’s Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys which was organised by the girls too.

The event took place Saturday, October 19.