A WOMAN is organising a star-studded fundraising ball, after being inspired by brave friends’ experiences with cancer.

ChildLine founder, TV presenter Esther Rantzen, will be among the celebrities at Elaine Neal’s Little Stars fundraising ball this autumn, Ms Neal, from Rayleigh, was inspired by friends Matthew Ridgwell, 12 and his mother, Belinda, 44.

The Rayleigh youngster is in remission after fighting leukaemia for two years, while his mum is being treated for breast cancer.

Miss Neale said she felt powerless to help the family, who live in Avondale Road, Rayleigh, but hopes to raise £20,000, for ChildLine and Cancer Research UK.

She is looking for sponsors for the event, at Lords Golf and Country Club, in Hullbridge Road, Rayleigh.

As well as being moved by Belinda and Matthew’s plight, she heard of other youngsters affected by the disease through her work as a volunteer telephone counsellor for ChildLine. She explained: “One of my first calls was from a ten-year-old girl who said she was unable to shut her eyes.

“Eventually, she managed to tell me the reason was her mummy was dying of cancer.”

Miss Neale then learned Macmillan nurses had come into the girl’s home to allow the mother and her daughter to be together at home for her last days.

She added: “The little girl told me she couldn’t shut her eyes because she was terrified if she did, she wouldn’t see her mummy ever again.

“I stayed on the phone with her until she felt she could fall asleep.

“After that call, it made me realise how this nasty illness effects so many lives.

“I want to do as much as I can, for research to fight cancer and to support children who are going through it themselves, or have been touched by it.”

She is looking for companies to sponsor aspects of the ball, including printing and venue hire, and also seeking items for a raffle and auction.

Rayleigh-based Wedding Village has already offered Matthew a suit to wear on the night.

The ball is on October 29, and will feature a champagne reception, a three-course meal and music by duo, Old Hat.

Tickets are £80, or £960 for a table of 12.

For details and tickets, call Miss Neal, on 07930 040743.