A Costessey woman, who lost her father to cancer, is organising a charity ball to raise funds for a hospital's oncology department.

Julie Sapey decided to hold the event after her father died in 2005 and her mother was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer brought on by asbestos, last year.

She is hoping to raise more than £20,000 for the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital's Colney Centre, which treats cancer patients across Norfolk and north Suffolk.

Her father, Brian Hird, 66, died nine years ago as a result of leukaemia and her mother, Brenda, 70, is currently having chemotherapy treatment at the N&N.

Mrs Sapey, who did a parachute jump at Beccles in 2011 to raise £1,000 for the Colney Centre, said she wanted to do something again following her mother's diagnosis.

'It was devastating. To see one parent go through such a gruelling disease and now having to see the other one too. There is no cure but we are enjoying every moment together and I am so proud of her fight. We wanted to give something back because they are amazing at the Colney Centre,' she said.

Mrs Sapey, who has worked for the N&N as a receptionist for the last 12 years, said she wanted to help fund improvements to the reception of the Colney Centre, which is set to benefit from the opening of a new radiotherapy unit.

'I feel fortunate to have worked in this department and to have been part of such a lovely and caring team. Nothing is too much for anyone no matter what level you are. They all work so hard with such compassion to each individual. I want to give patients some comfort and allow the NHS to use their precious money on treating these patients,' she said.

The B&B Charity Ball will be held at Sprowston Manor from 7pm on Friday May 23.

Tickets are £20 per person. Rob Chandler, Radio Norwich DJ, will be providing the entertainment on the night and there will also be a charity raffle. Contact sapeyofhird@btinternet.com or 07713421193. To make a donation to the charity, visit www.justgiving.com/colneycentre