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Red carpet charity ball raises over £10,000 for courageous Pendle student who is battling cancer

There was plenty of fun and games as the ' Doing It for Laura Charity Ball' raised around £10,000 at Giddy Kippers Party and Play Centre in Nelson.
By Sue Plunkett
Published 9th Mar 2022, 12:30 BST- 2 min read

The centre is for children but it was open to adults for one night only and they made the most of it racing down the slides, crossing the balance beams and having a go on the monkey bars.

There was also a four-course meal and entertainment provided by Starstruck's Josh Hindle and former Burney Youth Theatre student and Since September band member Patrick Ralphson.

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Singer Patrick Ralphson with his 'oldest friend' Laura Nuttall in the ball pool at the charity ball held in her honourSinger Patrick Ralphson with his 'oldest friend' Laura Nuttall in the ball pool at the charity ball held in her honour
Singer Patrick Ralphson with his 'oldest friend' Laura Nuttall in the ball pool at the charity ball held in her honour
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Pendle woman Laura Nuttall, now 22, was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2018 after starting university and given an initial prognosis of just 12 months.

She has been through surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy and returned to university at Manchester.

The family found supplementary immunotherapy treatment in Cologne and have been travelling there for two years, these treatments aren't available in the UK and are self-funded.

Laura has had to a further two operations, the latest in December, spending her 22nd birthday in Salford General Hospital. The ball, hosted by BBC 5 Live's Tony Livesey, was to raise much-needed funds as the treatment continues.

Laura (third from left) with her parents Mark and Nicola and her sister GracieLaura (third from left) with her parents Mark and Nicola and her sister Gracie
Laura (third from left) with her parents Mark and Nicola and her sister Gracie
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Patrick is part of the band Since September, formed in 2020 when he three others won the Little Mix: The Search aired on BBC1. They will be supporting Little Mix on their Confetti Tour.

He has been Laura's friends since they were seven when their mums used to run together at Seedhill Athletics Track. "It was great being able to do this for my oldest friend Laura," said Patrick. "It was a really good night."

Giddy Kippers is owned by Laura's mum Nicola, and her dad Mark and sister Gracie played a big part in organising the ball.

"I know there is a lot going on in the world but we did have a ball raising funds for Laura's treatment," said Nicola.

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"It was a wonderful celebration and we are very grateful to our amazing and supportive community."

Birchall's Foodservice provided the food, Burnley Leisure prepared and served the food while auction prizes were provided by an array of local companies - these raised around £7,000.

Anyone who would like to contribute is asked to click HERE

Related topics:NelsonPendleLittle Mix