MORE than £8,000 was raised for Cancer Research UK by Okehampton Starlight Ladies at their biannual charity ball.

This event took the theme of ‘A night under the Stars’ with 300 guests eager to raise as much money as possible for the cause.

The ball was the culmination of many months of planning for the ladies’ group and they are proud to say it was another great success.

The Okehampton Starlight Ladies would like to express their sincere thanks to all the many people and companies that supported them in their endeavour.

Wendy Raymond, chairperson of Okehampton Starlight Ladies, said: ‘The ball is produced with the help and support of many people.

‘Myself and the girls were overwhelmed with everyone’s generosity and we were pleased that everyone had a super evening and that such a large sum was raised for such a worthy cause. Our thoughts are now moving towards the 2019 ball.’

Rachel Turner, Cancer Research UK’s local fundraising manager, said: ‘Once again Wendy and the Starlight Ladies put on an amazing event, it was such a fantastic evening and we are thrilled with their support raising a huge amount for Cancer Research UK.

‘Every donation made will help save lives by funding research to accelerate the charity’s progress in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

‘Cancer survival has doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress – but every step our doctors, nurses and scientists take relies on donations from the public and the tireless fundraising of our supporters.’

• Starlight ladies are Wendy Raymond, Tracy Mills, Lynette Luxton, Lisa Blowey, Dawn Pitts, Hazel Butt, Shelley Langbridge, Maxine Thornley, Annie Caple, Beth Stephens, Wendy Penna, Mary White, Jenna Atkins, Becky Tolley. Three members missing from this photo are Vicky Stevens, Tracie Martin and Lynn Strawbridge.