Ovarian cancer sufferer raises £16,000 with black tie ball

A glitzy black-tie ball has helped a Maidenhead woman with ovarian cancer beat a £30,000 fundraising target.

Mother-of-two Shelley Hand, 46, organised the event held at The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Marlow on Saturday, October 5.

Attended by 265 people, mainly friends and friends of friends, the ball raised £16,000 from tickets sales, raffle and donation buckets.

Shelley, of Beverley Gardens, has raised a total of £36,000 for Ovarian Cancer Action.

The supply teacher, who works at Furze Platt Infant School, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in April 2011.

It is now incurable.

Shelley's other fundraising activities have included sponsored races, walks and a skydive.

A representative from the charity will present Shelley with a cheque next month.

Ovarian Cancer Action spokesman Laura McGurl said: "The very striking thing about Shelley is just how positive she is about her situation and her willingness to make a real difference."

Her next fundraising event will be a children's party.