Two charity fundraising friends are planning another event in aid of a hospice.

They are building on their fundraising success with another dinner dance and race night to help Manorlands, at Oxenhope.

Sara Spurr, of Oakworth, and Lucy Finn, of Riddlesden, both in Keighley, previously raised more than £12,000 for Manorlands at a sell-out charity ball two years ago.

Now they are planning another event at the Rendezvous Hotel, Skipton, on Friday, May 16.

The friends, both of whom have had family members who have suffered from cancer, are hoping the second black-tie event will raise even more money.

Sara, 33, who works in the fleet department of Sunwin Renault, Bradford, said: "Lucy and I have been friends since we were teenagers. We decided to organise the first event after Lucy's mum was diagnosed with breast cancer and then my grandad died of cancer in 2005.

"This year Lucy's grandmother was sadly taken very ill and died in Manorlands in February after a six-year battle with lymphoma."

Both Lucy's grandmother and Sara's grandfather were cared for at Manorlands.

Sara said: "We were so impressed with the care they received. It was like the staff were looking after their own family. We wanted to give something back.

"Lots of people tried to talk us out of doing a ball saying it was a lot of hard work for little money, but more than 200 people turned out in their finest on the night and it was a huge success.

"In fact this year we have allocated more seating in anticipation of demand."

The next event will include a champagne reception, three-course meal, entertainment from local comedian Farrell Butler, a night at the races', raffle and disco. Tables for ten cost £400.

Jodie Shepherd, area fundraising manager for Manorlands, said: "It was great to work with Sara and Lucy when they organised the last event. They raised an incredible amount. It's fantastic that they are repeating the event this year."

The money raised from Sara and Lucy's event will go towards running a 16-bed in-patient unit, day care centre, day therapy unit, a satellite unit in Skipton, a community team and services such as bereavement support.

For more information or to book a table contact Sara Spurr at sara.spurr@ sunwin.co.uk.

e-mail: chris.holland@telegraphandargus.co.uk

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