A SPRING Ball is set to take place on Saturday May 2, hosted by the charity Wendy’s Wish.

The event, in Leyburn,North Yorkshire, comes after the success of the first Wendy’s Wish Ball held in 2017.

The charity was set up in memory of Wendy Reed, who died in January 2017 following a five-year journey with cancer, by her mother Jill Harker.

Wendy’s daughters, Elise aged 12 and Annie aged nine, will be helping to organise the event and will be volunteering on the night to raise money and awareness.

The aim of the charity is to raise money for eye tumour research and to assist cancer patients and their families, while also raising the profile of all forms of eye cancer.

Funds from the first ball enabled the charity to give substantial donations towards equipment for eye tumour research.

The charity has also teamed up with Herriot Hospice Homecare based in Wendy Reed’s home town of Northallerton to help terminally ill cancer patients to be more comfortable in their final weeks.

To help the charity raise as much money as possible Wendy’s parents are looking for local businesses to sponsor the event and donate prizes for the auctions and raffles.

Jill Harker, trustee at Wendy’s Wish and mother to Wendy said: “Before she died, we promised Wendy we’d organise a ball to launch the charity and were blown away by its success after it raised over £26,000. It’s exciting to be bringing the second ball back to The Garden Rooms, a venue which we know Wendy loved.

“Our family and friends are asking for the local community to get behind the event and buy tickets so that we can continue to remember Wendy in this way and raise the vital funds that will prevent other young families going through the same heartache that ours has.”

Tony Collins, chief executive of Herriot Hospice Homecare said: “Wendy’s Wish provides the means of a lifeline for many patients often facing the most difficult time of their lives. The worry and stress of financial hardship, the need for some respite and the importance of making positive memories should not be underestimated.

“Wendy’s Wish is a very worthwhile charity which is making a significant difference to those in need in the local area.”

The Spring Ball is being held at The Garden Room at Tennants in Leyburn. Tickets and more information can be found at www.wendyswish.co.uk.