A CHARITY set-up in memory of a girl who died after battling mental health problems is holding a fundraising ball in her honour.

Lauren Johnson died in June 2014 after falling from the Accrington Arndale Shopping Centre.

The Oswaldtwistle teenager was just 17 when she died.

Following her death, the charity Lauren’s Place was born and aims to work with communities to break the stigma attached to mental health.

The charity has raised thousands of pounds since it was set-up.

Christine Smithies, chair of trustees at Lauren’s Place, said: “As a charity we want to raise as much as we can to help support young people who, like Lauren, are struggling for any number of reasons whether that is in school, at home, on social media or with peer pressures.

“If we can help just one young person to get the professional support they deserve, then we have done our job.”

The charity will be holding a sunflower ball at Ewood Park and is now appealing for donations from businesses for a fundraising raffle.

Organisers expect the event to be a ‘huge success’ but need to help of businesses to help generate funds by donating raffle prizes.

Ms Smithies said: “Reaching more young people through schools and colleges would be amazing and, with monies raised through the ball and donations from the public, we will be able to do this.

“No family deserves to go through what Lauren’s family went through three-and-a-half years ago.

“If you are able to help in any way, whether it’s a donation to the charity, a raffle prize, a goody-bag for the guests on the evening or any other assistance, we would be so grateful.

“Every penny received by Lauren’s Place is vital to supporting and educating children around mental health, here in Lancashire.”

The fundraising ball will take place on Friday, September 12.

There will be a red carpet drinks reception followed by a three course dinner, live entertainment, a raffle, a silent auction, and a DJ and dancing.

To donate raffle prizes, silent auction lots or to purchase tickets, people can contact Lauren’s Place at laurensplace15@gmail.com