THE second Abby’s Heroes Dinner Dance,which took place at the Ageas Bowl, was attended by 230 and raised more than £15,000.

The charity was set by Sally and David Randall in memory of their daughter Abby who died, aged 11, of a rare form of bone cancer in 2016.

Its initial aim was to help and support children and families attending the Piam Brown Ward, in Southampton Hospital, including bereaved families. Piam Brown is the South Coast Children’s Oncology Centre, and covers children from Chichester to Poole and up to North Hampshire.

In its first year the charity has helped 58 families and raised £164,000.

Sally said that due to the success of the charity, it now also cover the T.Y.A. (Teenage and Young Adults) Ward.

“As a charity, we can offer either practical or financial help and support, or the chance to have some fun and make some cherished family memories” said Sally.

“As a family that has passed through one of these wards, we are acutely aware of what a traumatic and frightening journey it can be for both the child, young adult and their families. Their lives are completely taken over by the diagnosis of cancer, their worlds are thrown into utter chaos and panic as they watch their child go through the rigours of treatment.

“As the child or young adult is facing months or years of treatment, families are often separated for long periods, as parents need to stay with the child, but also may have siblings that need looking after as well. Jobs are put on hold and so then the financial implications start to hit home, and it puts a massive strain on families as normal life ceases to exist.”

For details visit abbys-heroes.com.