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Glitzy ball brings in £20,000 for Claire's memory
A GLITZ and glamour ball, which has been described as a "wonderful tribute" to a girl who died from a brain tumour, has raised more than double the amount expected.
The sparking event, held at Sywell Aerodrome, was organised by friends of Julie and Tony Rowland, whose 11-year-old daughter Claire died in 2006.
The initial plan was to raise 10,000 but the total is set to be double that after almost 500 people bought tickets for the occasion, which was held a week before what would have been Claire's 13th birthday.
Mrs Rowland, of Warkton Lane, in Kettering, said: "We were overwhelmed by the support. The evening didn't upset us because it was so uplifting and positive.
"It was a wonderful tribute to Claire and I want to thank everyone who donated their time, money and gifts."
She said they didn't know all the guests but many were parents who have children at Wellingborough School, which Claire attended.
The fund, which has been set up in Claire's name under the umbrella of the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust, now stands at about 30,000 after a year of fundraising activities.
The money will be used to fund research into brain tumours.
Family friend Sue Bull helped to organise the glitz and glamour ball, which featured an auction and live music.
She said: "I'm absolutely ecstatic with how much we've raised – I can't believe we've done it.
"I think it was so well supported because even if you don't have a family, you can relate to what it must be like to lose an 11-year-old girl.
"This was a family of four. Now they're a family of three but they have put their heart into this to try to help other families."
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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