AROUND 480 people gathered at the Grand Hotel in Brighton for the Splash of Green Ball to raise money for the Macmillan Horizon Centre.

This is the sixth charity ball organised by Della “Ferrari” Lamden, who is aiming for the event to take the total amount she has raised for the centre to over £100,000.

Della was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2005 at the age of 41.

In 2007 her cancer spread to her left lung, then last year Della was diagnosed with breast cancer during a routine mammogram, as she is a known carrier of the BRCA1 carrier.

Unfortunately, her daughter Bobbie tested positive for the same faulty gene, and after much consideration opted to have a preventative double mastectomy.

Della, pictured right with Bobbie, started to share her story and fundraise for Macmillan after “benefitting greatly from the support of the Macmillan nurses at Brighton Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath, and the Ovarian Support Group.”

She got involved in the appeal to build the Horizon Centre and continues to raise money for this innovative support and information centre for people affected by cancer across Sussex.

Della said: “I enjoy organising these balls and I’m so proud to see how they can inspire others to go and do their own thing.

“Whether that’s running a marathon, holding a coffee morning or another ball, it’s all for such a good cause.

“I have been involved in the Horizon Centre since 2011 and to see of all the hard work and commitment come to fruition is enormously rewarding.

“I was the chair of the steering group for the centre when it was being designed and built; and now use the services after my latest diagnosis. Macmillan have been there for me at every turn and I have felt compelled to give back.

“ I am thrilled to say our Splash of Green 2018 Charity Ball has raised £18,609.”

Guests were photographed by JSDL Photography, and got to enjoy entertainment from the West End Kids dance troupe, Blunter Brothers Band, magicians, a high value tombola, face painters, and heads and tails game compered by Brighton’s Dolly Rocket.