An annual ball has helped to raise over £8,500 to support cancer patients at the West Suffolk Hospital.

Organised by Moreton Hall’s Stephen John Hair Salon it was attended by over 200 guests and held at Ashlar House, in Bury St Edmunds.

The Winter Wonderland-themed event raised £8,582.31 for the My WiSH Charity, which supports the work of the hospital, with it being directed towards the Macmillan unit and the Mama B Cancer Wellbeing Days which are held at the salon once a month.

It was the third time a ball had been held and salon owner Steve Trowles, who set up the fundraising days after many years of supporting women needing wigs due to their treatment, said: “I met these women and they opened up to me. I would then have the next client come in and think: ‘I need you to talk to the previous person so you can support each other.’”

Named after his much-loved mum, Brenda Avison who sadly passed away in 2016, the days allow women undergoing cancer treatment to come to the salon where they enjoy some pampering thanks to volunteers, a light lunch and, most importantly, a chance to talk to each other, share their stories and offer each other support and advice.

Steve, who over the years has raised £35,000 for the charity, added: “My mum was such an inspirational woman in my life. Losing her left a huge hole in my heart but hosting these days in her memory and supporting women through cancer is just a blessing and I just hope that Mama B’s makes life a little better for everyone at a difficult time.”

Sally Daniels, fundraising manager for My WiSH, works each month at the event and said: “Mama B’s is such a special place and it is my personal privilege to support Steve and the Mama B ladies each month.”

She added; “The ball was just wonderful, the hall looked fantastic and we had some of the ladies tell their story which was just so emotional. We also can’t thank Steve enough for his support, to date he has raised an incredible £35,000 which is just astonishing.”

The money raised will be used to buy some equipment for the Mama B sessions with the remainder going to the Macmillan unit to enhance the care of their patients.

Steve continued: “I just love working with My WiSH, they are as passionate as I am about caring for these patients. I know they will spend the money where it’s really needed.”

Mama B’s is held on the first Monday of each month.

To find out more call the Stephen John Salon on 01284 700100.