A FUNDRAISING evening in memory of a farmer has been organised by his family in aid of the North West Air Ambulance charity.

Steve Eddleston, from Copster Green in the Ribble Valley, died suddenly after a heart attack while working on the family farm in August 2017.

Emergency services were called and the father-of-four took his ‘last ever ride’ in an air ambulance.

Speaking about organising an evening in his memory, his daughter Shona Eddleston explained how fond her father was of the air ambulance charity.

She said: “Whenever we were out on the farm and we’d see them flying over, he’d comment on what a fantastic job they were doing.

“He could never understand how they weren’t funded by the government, he was in awe of the work they did," Ms Eddleston added.

“That’s why it felt right to do something in aid of the charity, to try and raise some money for them.

“It is very close to our hearts and we really want to give something back to them for everything they do.”

The charity party, which will take place on July 28 at the Canberra Club, Blackburn, promises to be an evening full of fun and laughter all for a good cause.

Included in the price of the ticket is a hog roast, dancing and the chance to participate in a live auction and raffle which is full of prizes such as a Ribby Hall Village Spa treatment with afternoon tea for two and a two hospitality tickets to Manchester United, which includes a meal and a seat in a box.

Steve’s wife, Annabel, alongside their four children, Shona, Megan, Josh and Sam have all played their part in organising the event, and family and friends have also contributed where they can.

Ms Eddleston added: “Everyone’s really come together to put on a good evening which we hope will be a fantastic success.

“Our goal was to raise £1,000 for the air ambulance but we’re hoping it will be more than that.”

The event starts at 7.30. Tickets cost £10.

For more information, including where to buy tickets, call Shona on 07792572962.