A CHARITY ball held at the Stirk House Hotel, in Gisburn, has raised more than £12,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.

The event which hosted 255 guests, was organised by Aimee Beresford.

Aimee had brought together guests for the ‘How Do You Check Yours?’ ball to raise money for the charity after her father, Gordon Beresford, successfully fought off the disease eight years ago.

“The night was a great success. The guests were greeted with an arrival drink before enjoying a fantastic three course meal followed by the raffle and live auction by auctioneer Ted Ogden.

We also had a silent auction running throughout the evening. We then all danced the night away with the live band Audio Test Pilots,” explained Aimee.

“We are delighted that a staggering amount of over £12,000 was raised on the night with donations still coming in and all proceeds going to Prostate Cancer UK.

“I am extremely happy that the night was so successful and the feedback I have received has been overwhelming,

“I couldn’t have asked for a better night and a brilliant time was enjoyed by all.”

She added the reason for the fundraiser was something close to her own heart.

She said: “I decided to host the ‘How Do You Check Yours?’ Charity Ball after my dad was diagnosed and successfully treated for prostate cancer back in 2011.

“Both myself and my dad are farmers and it well known that in this community men tend not to seek help for health related issues.

“As well as raising money I wanted to make more awareness and recognition especially within the rural and agricultural community. I want to erase the stigma associated with prostate cancer as testing is a simple as a blood test.”

In the UK, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men with one in every eight being diagnosed in their lifetime.

Prostate cancer mainly affects men over 50, with the risk increasing with age but that does not mean it is a disease that only affects older men.

Further risk factors include having a family history of prostate cancer. Current survival statistics show that 84 per cent of those diagnosed survive the cancer, with earlier diagnosis improving their survival rate.

Aimee said the ball would not have been as successful if it wasn’t for the support she received from local businesses who donated prizes, and help from her family and friends.