A CHARITY fund-raising ball is being staged in memory of a Darwen woman who died of cancer.

The Valentine's Ball in memory of Agnes Cartledge is at the De Vere Hotel, Bolton, and will raise funds towards complementary treatments for cancer patients at hospices in Blackburn and Bolton.

The event has been organised by Agnes's four children, Connie, Elizabeth, Sandra and Colin.

Agnes, who formerly worked at Belgrave Mill and lived in Avondale Road, died in February last year, aged 67.

Connie, 35, who runs a complementary treatment service called Alternative Experience, in Edgworth, said: "My mother was a patient at Rawtenstall hospice and while she was there received complementary treatments such as Reiki and massage, and it really helped her."

The cash raised through the event will go towards equipping two complementary suites at the East Lancashire Hospice in Blackburn and a Bolton hospice.

Connie said: "The hospices are combining traditional medicines for cancer with complementary treatments.

"The patients love it - it's time for them and it relaxes them.

"My mother was first diagnosed with breast cancer and it was the biggest shock when we were told it had gone into secondaries and she had a brain tumour and the cancer had also spread into her lungs."

"Mum really believed in the alternative treatments she received and I think she lasted a lot longer because of them. She fought extremely hard but the cancer just took over."

Connie hoped the event would raise awareness about how complementary treatments could help cancer patients. She said she was "overwhelmed" by the amount of support the family had received.

"My clients at Alternative Experience had met mum and they have helped me so much and supported me in arranging this - they have provided auction prizes and have been fantastic."

All the tickets for the ball have now been sold and 230 guests have bought tickets.

Connie added: "I've never done anything like this in my life. We are making it an extra-special event and placing roses on ladies' place settings.

"There will be a champagne reception, a four course meal, a DJ and live music.

"Mum would help anybody and would be absolutely delighted about this. The money raised will go directly to the hospices and will buy equipment like beds, towels and oils for the complementary suites."

Nicola Mooney, of the fund-raising department at Bolton Hospice, said: "We are extremely pleased that we are receiving some of the money.

"Connie came to look at our complementary therapy rooms and so knows what is needed in there."