A MOTHER whose daughter died after suffering a brain tumour has raised more than £10,000 at a charity ball.

Michelle de la Motte-Rice’s daughter Lola was two years old and had been “absolutely fine” when she fell ill with what doctors believed to be a tummy bug.

She died aged two years and eight months, less than a week after she first fell ill.

That was in 2006 and Michelle decided to launch an online business, Gifts For Angels, creating bright grave ornaments.

She teamed up with Worthing-based Vivacious Events for its third charity ball in aid of Brain Tumour Research at The Grand hotel in Brighton.

Michelle helps fund vital research by supporting the charity.

Despite brain tumours being the biggest cancer killer in the under forties, just one per cent of national spending on cancer research has been allocated to this disease.

Michelle said: “The evening was a great success.

“We would like to thank our sponsor Barratts Southern Counties.

“The total raised was in excess of £10,000 which will go direct to Brain Tumour Research.”

The Moulin Rouge-themed evening kicked off with guests being welcomed by men on stilts juggling fire outside the seafront hotel.

Showgirls from Manic Productions welcomed everyone to the Empress Suite and magician Tony Charles performed.

Michelle gave an emotional speech explaining why the evening was so important to her.

Tim Green from Brain Tumour Research explained how the money raised would be spent.

More than 200 people were there and during the meal they were entertained by saxophonist Alice On Sax before drag act Spice took to the stage.

The Swamp Cats band continued the party and DJ Disco Dude kept things in full swing with classic pop tunes

The auction and raffle were announced by host Bob Smytherman.

Michelle said: “Brain tumours were something that we never knew about.

“There was no information and three doctors misdiagnosed her as having a tummy bug.

“People just don’t know enough about it but if more research was done then maybe there would be another way to help people.”