AN INDOOR festival organised in memory of a woman who died from cancer two years ago has successfully raised more than £2,000 for charity.

Bee Fest 2019, held in tribute of Bianca Grainger, also known as Bee, was organised by a group of close friends who had known her throughout her life.

Bee, from Brompton near Northallerton, was 37 when she died from bowel cancer in 2017.

Despite her illness, Bee quickly made a name for herself as someone who was always keen to raise money for different charities.

In September 2016, she took part in the Great North Run, and in December 2016, she inspired around 20 men to grow out, and decorate their facial beards, in aid of Bowel Cancer UK.

But as a celebration of her life, and what would have been Bee’s 40th birthday in March, friends Natalie Jardim, Tor, Shell, Mandy, Sara, Danielle and Bee’s sister Stacy, came up with the idea to host Bee Fest 2019 to continue Bee’s desire to raise money.

Ms Jardim, who knew Bee for two decades, said: “With it being her 40th we wanted to do something big and special – something that Bee would have wanted.

“We sold 200 tickets in the end and we had some extra’s come on the night."

The festival was held at The Golden Lion Hotel in Northallerton on March 9.

Ms Jardim said: “We have collected £2,055 so far, which we are really proud of and we are really proud for Bee – it's what she would have wanted.

“Bee’s story was well known and she was a big personality, she knew so many people.”

Bee, who had been married to Will Grainger, had spent much of her working career in the civil service.

Days before the event, Ms Jardim said they had sold around 150 tickets, but on the night the group of friends said they were overwhelmed to discovered dozens of people, who did not know Bee personally, attended to show their support. She added: “It was a happy and emotional party – we’re all so thankful to everyone that came.

"There was so much support from people who knew Bee and people who didn’t.”

Luke Squires, director of fundraising at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “The money raised will make a vital contribution to our vital services and lifesaving research helping make our vision of a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer, a reality.”