Published at 16:46, Tuesday, 25 September 2012

HUNDREDS of tickets for an event being held in memory of an inspirational mum sold out within 10 days.

Clare’s Night at The Nines will pay tribute to Clare Hutchinson, who fought a 13-year battle against repeated episodes of bowel cancer, a brain tumour and leukaemia.

The 41-year-old Hawcoat mum-of-one died at her childhood home in Kirkstone Crescent, Barrow, in May.

Her family has shifted 400 tickets for their fundraiser, which will take place at the Barrow bar on October 20.

Ms Hutchinson’s dad, Paul Sturgeon, said: “We had them printed off about four weeks ago, and we thought, ‘well, we’ve got six or seven weeks to get them sold’, but they all went right away.

“I’ve still got people ringing me asking for tickets – we’ll just have to have a second one.”

The cabaret-style event will star Denis Horan, Voce, Mikja Cassells and Elvis impersonator John Halligan, plus two professional magicians. It will also feature a raffle and an auction, led by Ulverston auctioneer Howard Whitaker.

All funds will go to Duncan House, which provides accommodation for Cumbrian families with relatives being treated for leukaemia in Blackpool.

It was opened by Barrow woman, Liz Cassells, in memory of her husband, Graham Duncan, who died of leukaemia in January 2010.

Mr Sturgeon and his wife, Lorraine, stayed there for six months while their daughter was being treated.

Mr Sturgeon said: “Three times, we had calls to say that Clare had taken ill in the night.

“That would have been a nightmare if we had been in Barrow, but we were just able to get dressed and rush across the road.

“That makes a big difference to how you cope. It’s not a high profile charity, but it’s absolutely invaluable.”

Anyone who would like to donate auction prizes for Clare’s Night at The Nines can call Mr Sturgeon on 01229 830157.

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk