A HALLOWEEN charity ball is a sell-out this weekend and aims to raise thousands of pounds in memory of a young boy.

The event in aid of the Jake Ellis Fund is being held at the Abbey House Hotel this Saturday.

The fund was set up in memory of Jake Ellis, five. Jake lost his battle with rhabdomyosarcoma in 2008.

The fund raises money to aid the work of the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group in researching the cause and treatment of the condition.

Jake’s mum, Jo-Ann Ellis, said: “The support for this latest event has been tremendous and should see a significant contribution made to the fund. We are grateful to all who are attending, donated raffle prizes or have simply given of their time in making the necessary arrangements.”

Mrs Ellis and Nick Ellis – her husband and Jake’s dad – have tirelessly fundraised generating tens of thousands of pounds.

This week Team Jake reaped the benefits of those who completed the Keswick to Barrow walk in its name when they received a cheque for £6,000 at the K2B presentation evening.

Also adding to the cause were the members of Hartington Lodge of Freemasons in Barrow.

Lodge charity representative Harry Chatfield presented Mrs Ellis and committee member Amanda Brunton with a cheque for £150.

Mrs Ellis said: “The Masons have been regular donors to the fund and we appreciate this further contribution as we do all donations big and small. Since 2008 research and better understanding of the condition have seen survival rates increase by 10 per cent.

“The fight goes on to make that figure one of 100 per cent eventually.”