INSPIRATIONAL cancer survivors have raised over £50,000 to help other victims of the disease.

Pauline Turner, who suffered from ovarian cancer, and her husband John joined with Robin Maude, who had bladder cancer, and his wife Janette, to host a grand charity ball.

Friends Pauline and Janette decided to organise the event as a way of saying thank you to the hospitals and doctors who have helped them through their ordeals.

Mum-of-one Pauline, of Ellenber Farm, Draughton, discovered she had ovarian cancer in 1997 and was treated at Airedale Hospital, Steeton, under the supervision of oncology specialist Dr Michael Crawford.

After treatment, including five months of chemotherapy, she now receives yearly check-ups.

Dr Crawford inspired Pauline so much that she raised £5,500 for his department at a barbecue at her home 12 months after her recovery.

She said: "He just does so much good. I felt very strongly that I wanted to do something to help such a good cause and the money we have raised will go straight to the source.

"Robin and I just look so well after having terrible cancers, we just wanted to help other people.

"We want to give people hope. When I had my cancer I looked to other people for inspiration."

Robin, of Bradley, was just 34 when he discovered he was suffering from bladder cancer.

His wife was carrying their second child, Lily, now aged three. The couple also have an eight-year-old son, Jack.

Janette said: "I was with Robin when we found out and it was such a shock. You can't really explain how you feel when you are told something like that."

Robin had his bladder removed and underwent reconstructive surgery at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield and was also treated at St James' Hospital, Leeds.

He had to undergo three months of chemotherapy and now also has yearly check-ups.

Pauline added: "The ball was a very personal event, it was very special. We would just like to say thank you to everyone who supported us."

Over 450 family members and friends paid £40 for tickets to attend the ball, which was held at the Craiglands Hotel, Ilkley.

Skipton Properties also donated £20,000 and money is still pouring in.

Robin's share will be donated to Pinderfields Hospital, which hopes to buy a machine to detect bladder cancer, and St James' Hospital. Pauline will donate her money to the oncology unit at Airedale Hospital.