A GLITZY charity ball helped two ambitious fundraisers achieve their aim of collecting £20,000 for The Christie hospital in less than one year.

Bolton Albert Halls came alive for the Marcia Dooley and Peter Hamer Platinum Charity Ball.

The sell-out black tie event was organised by friends Kerry Lyons, aged 38, and Kelly Dooley, aged 32, who last year began a 12-month campaign to raise the five-figure sum for The Christie.

Kerry, a nurse from Helmshore, and Kelly, a wedding organiser from Farnworth who runs Kellibrations, met their target with a month to spare.

In the last year, the duo organised an abseil down Peel Tower in Ramsbottom, held a family fun day in Bury, sold personalised hand-painted bags and took part in the Color Run in Manchester.

The fundraising was in memory of Marcia Dooley, Kelly’s mother-in-law, and Peter Hamer, K erry’s father, who both died from cancer.

All funds raised will be split between The Christie’s general research and treatment and specific research into pancreatic cancer.

Kerry said: “We both pass on our thanks and gratitude to family and friends for their support during the last 11 months.

“We have the utmost gratitude to the Albert Hall for supporting us with holding the event and to all those who helped co-ordinate the ball’s smooth running on the night.

“Guests were shown a film of our charity fundraising journey, and smiles soon turned to tears as the poignant reason for raising money for The Christie came to light.

“When the final figure reached £20,000 a celebratory cheer rippled through the room at what has been a spectacular effort over the last 11 months.”

Donations can still be made by texting donate followed by an amount and AVBR78 to 70070.