A GRANDDAUGHTER has raised £5,500 for Macmillan cancer support by holding a charity night with raffles, competitions and even a sponsored waxing in honour of her nan who died last year.
Amber Cogger, from North Fambridge, lost her nan Maureen Knight last year after she fought a long battle with cancer and received "fantastic" care from Macmillan nurses before she passed away.
Amber, 23, arranged a number of eye-catching prizes such as a signed Wayne Rooney football shirt, signed Arsenal and West Ham footballs, a pamper hamper, chocolates and singing lessons.
She told the Chronicle: "I had a really good time and I've had some amazing feedback about the night. The place was packed with over 150 guests.
"I contacted a lot of companies to see if they could help out in any way and thankfully some could. So many people I knew came down to support me and it made for a great night."
Amber, a financial administrator in the city who lives at home with her parents and her 21-year-old brother, held the event held at the Ferry Boat Inn in Ferry Road, North Fambridge, on Saturday April 12.
"My nan was a very family-orientated lady and would have loved to have been there to see us all having fun," said Amber.
"It feels good to be able to give something back to the nurses that were all fantastic with my nan."
Macmillan Cancer Support provides practical, medical and financial support and pushes for better care for those suffering with cancer.
Denise McCrossen, 59, has been a partner in the Ferry Boat Inn for the last two years and was kept busy on the night by thirsty customers.
She said: "It was a brilliant night in the pub. It was full of people all having a good time and we would love to do it again. There were some brilliant prizes on offer and that's why Amber was able to raise so much money.
"We know the family well and we were very happy to support Amber. This is a village pub and it was so good to see all of the villagers in the pub on the night.
"It was a real community get-together."
Specialist computer manufacturers for the food industry, Hellenic Systems, who are based in South Woodham Ferrers, paid for a marquee to be erected in the garden and donated £1,000 to the night.
"I would like to thank the Ferry Boat Inn for letting us have it there, the MU Foundation at Manchester United FC for sending us a signed pennant from the players and everyone else that helped on the night," said Amber.
One brave man even volunteered to have his back and bottom waxed receiving over £400 in sponsorship money.
After the success of arranging her first charity event, Amber has set her sights on making the fundraiser an annual occasion: "Even after the hard work I really enjoyed the night and next time I want to make it even bigger."
