A hairdresser is organising a black tie ball in a bid to raise money for a hospital Oncology department.

Jaye North, 31, is to hold the black tie affair on Saturday, April 6, to fundraise for the Oncology department at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust.

The event will include a three-course meal with wine, a DJ, and an auction and raffle to raise more funds for the Trust's charity, the King George and Queen's Hospitals Charity.

Mrs North from Hornchurch was inspired to raise money for the trust's cancer team as it is where her mum, Julie Carthy, is currently being treated for breast cancer.

She said: "I wanted to do something to help so I thought of a charity ball. It’s the first time I’ve ever done anything like this so it was a bit daunting.

"We’ve already sold almost 200 tickets so it’s going really well and we’ve been fortunate that lots of local businesses have supported us by donating things. I’m really excited."

All money raised will be put towards funding a new ultrasound machine for the Sunflower Suite at Queen's Hospital which would mean cancer patients could have their chemotherapy drugs administered in a familiar setting by staff they know, rather than going to the trust's Theatres department.

Mrs North previously helped raise £3,000 for this cause by chopping the locks of a junior sister on the suite, Yagmur Kocak.

Tickets cost £55 or £500 for a table of ten.

To find out more or to buy tickets, contact Mrs North on: 07961 233721.