DINERS will dance the night away at a summer masked ball held in memory of a former Ipswich Hospital worker.Colleagues of Michelle Bown, who died in March last year, are today organising the ball to raise money for The Willow Foundation.

DINERS will dance the night away at a summer masked ball held in memory of a former Ipswich Hospital worker.

Colleagues of Michelle Bown, who died in March last year, are today organising the ball to raise money for The Willow Foundation.

The charity organises special days out for people aged 16 to 40 who have serious illnesses, and sent Michelle and her mother to the West End and Ritz in London before the 33-year-old lost her battle with skin cancer.

Last year her hospital colleagues held a family fun day and a fancy-dress party and raised around £5,000 for the foundation.

Mrs Bown worked in the operating theatres at Ipswich Hospital and was a resuscitation officer.

This year, operating department practitioner Romilly Norman and nurse Gail Noto are holding a summer masked ball at the Belstead Brook Hotel in Ipswich on Friday, June 29. The night will include a disco, meal and auction.

The Willow Foundation was set up by former football goalkeeper Bob Wilson and his wife Megs after their daughter Anna, 31, died of cancer.

Miss Norman, of Henslow Road, Ipswich, said: “Michelle was very fond of the charity. Her colleagues and friends wish to carry on the support in her absence.

“We not only want to raise money but also awareness the charity is here.”

Anyone wanting to donate auction prizes or buy tickets for the ball can contact Miss Norman on 01473 412539 or Ms Noto on 01473 683769.

Are you fundraising in memory of a loved one? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.