THREE Rossendale sisters have surprised themselves by raising more than £35,000 for a cancer charity.

Since 37-year-old glass-blower Matthew Gavan lost his 10-month battle with skin cancer melanoma in July 2010, his wife Emma, 35, and her sisters Maria Teoli, 39, and Elida Teoli-Eatough, set about giving something back to the Rosemere Cancer Foundation, where staff treated him.

Emma said: “We’re a very close family. When we lost Matthew, it truly was one of the most difficult times of our lives.

“After the excellent treat- ment he received at the Rosemere Radiotherapy Unit, at Preston Royal Hospital, we wanted to give something back and raise the profile of the Rosemere Cancer Foundation.

“Matthew would be amazed at the amount we have raised and would want us to donate the funds to such a worthy cause.”

As Maria owns the Capelli Hair Salon, in Manchester Road, Haslingden, and Emma is a hair-dressing teacher, the sisters decided to put their skills to use organising a Masquerade Hair Show, at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors, in April.

Over 360 people wearing tuxedos, ball gowns and masks attended the event, where 50 models paraded hair styles and make-up.

TV and radio star Ted Robbins compered a charity auction of gifts, including Ricky Hatton sparring gloves, and airline tickets, all donated by the people of Rossendale.

A further £4,400 was raised in September when Emma and the Rossendale Valley Junior Football Club organised a football tournament in memory of Matthew, where he and Emma were regulars watching eight-year-old son Rico play.

Rico went on to win the ‘Matthew Gavan Memorial Trophy’ for top goal scorer at the tournament.

Last week the sisters handed a £35,400 cheque to Rosemere staff on the unit where Matthew was treated.

Elida said: “It was emotional for the three of us, and especially for Emma going back to the unit, but the people are so lovely.”

Maria said: “We would like to thank all of the local businesses who donated so generously to the charity auction to ensure we had lots of giveaways.

"The evening was a huge success.”