MORE than £8,000 has been raised in memory of a woman who died from bowel cancer.

The Wokingham Lions held the Liz Berry Glitter Ball at the Hilton Hotel, Reading, on Saturday, May 12, in memory of Liz Berry, a close friend of organiser and Lion member Clare Dando.

Nearly 200 people turned out for the glittering event, which featured a live band, three-course meal, pay-to-play casino and raffle prizes.

All money raised from the evening will go to Bowel Cancer UK.

Organiser Clare said: "We had 189 people in attendance, and it was a fun evening with a live band, three-course dinner, pay to play casino and raffle prizes. I am thrilled that we were able to raise £8,000 for Bowel Cancer UK, to help raise awareness of bowel cancer and fund research projects.

"Liz had been my best friend since we met at university in 1990. We had been friends for 25 years when she died on May 5, 2015, at the age of 45. I wanted to do something significant to honour Liz and mark our friendship in a way that would hopefully help others too.

"For the last year, we have been working with the Wokingham Lions Club to organise the Glitter Ball. I am so incredibly grateful to the Lions for all their help and support with the Ball. It’s been a privilege and a pleasure to work with their members."

Lyn Baily, a fellow member of the Wokingham Lions Club, said: “Wokingham Lions Club have great pleasure in supporting this event, and in helping to fundraise for such a worthy cause.”