IT was one of her mother’s last wishes.

Ipswich Star: Sarah Hills mother Margaret Cumberland,Sarah Hills mother Margaret Cumberland, (Image: Archant)

And today, proud daughter Sarah Hills is putting her promise to her mum into action as she pledges to raise £10,000 for the Woolverstone Wish fund.

After receiving a late diagnosis of lung cancer on June 25, 2010, Margaret Cumberland underwent less than three months of treatment at Ipswich Hospital’s Woolverstone Ward.

Ms Cumberland died on September 19, 2010, aged 60 after the cancer spread to her lymph nodes.

While being treated on the oncology ward, Ms Cumberland told her family of the importance of donating to the fund.

And to honour her mum’s last wish, Miss Hills is organising a charity ball which will be held at the Sir Bobby Robson Suite at Ipswich Town Football Club.

The 31-year-old, said: “While my mum was having treatment, she became very confused because of the cancer.

“She would mention how hard working all the staff were and that other patients around her had cancer – not remembering that she too had cancer.

“She told the family that we needed to donate to the Woolverstone Wish fund because they needed help in improving conditions.

“At the time we were focused on being there for her, but now I really want to make her wish come true and that is why I decided to organise the ball.

“This ball will honour her and it will also be a thank you to the staff on the ward for what they did.

“It was a horrible time, especially because the cancer affected her state of mind so much.

“The Woolverstone Ward need as much support as they can get, especially because there are more people being diagnosed with cancer than ever before”

The aim of the Woolverstone Wish Fund is to raise £800,000 to refurbish the chemotherapy outpatient clinics and day-unit in the Woolverstone Wing of the hospital.

The money will help increase the space on the ward while also improving privacy for patients and a more comfortable treatment area.

The fund currently stands at £395,059.

Tickets to the charity ball on Friday, July 5, cost £45, which includes a welcome drink, a three course meal, tea and coffee and an evening of musical entertainment.

To buy tickets, call Ms Hills on 07971 394053. They can also be bought in person from Ms Hills at Guardian Energy, in Knapton Mews, Turret Lane, Ipswich.