The Anna Wilkinson Mockingbird Trust was launched in 2017 as a response to the tragic loss of Anna who died the previous year from a brain tumour. She was 16. Before postponements, the ball was originally planned for 2020 and was designed to coincide with Annas 21st birthday.

Anna always delighted in seeing others enjoying themselves and organised parties and events for friends and families even when she was ill. The Mockingbird Trust is Annas legacy. Named after her favourite book, To Kill a Mockingbird, our charity organises special, bespoke trips and evenings for 16-24 year olds who have cancer. We start by asking what theyd like to do and who theyd like to take and then we make all the arrangements, fund tickets, transport and the little extras to make the trip even more memorable.

Since our launch and with money raised through events like this evening, weve arranged outings to the theatre, concerts, sports events, comedy shows, theme parks and restaurants. Anna's own family knows that planning a fun evening out, between scans, hospital appointments and treatment, can be stressful, time-consuming, costly, and difficult. The charity aims to take all the organisational and financial strain away so that those involved can just enjoy being together.

Heres some of the feedback we have received:

I had an incredible day that I will never forget. The whole experience made us feel so special.

You have brought happy tears. I am overwhelmed and will always cherish tonight. Absolutely incredible... I came home and the first thing I said was I feel normal The look of delight on her face throughout meant so much and it was just a fabulous day from start to finish.

During the pandemic, young people with cancer who couldnt go out to enjoy themselves were instead given laptops, games consoles, phones and other items. We rely on the generosity of individuals and businesses to help us raise the money to pay for these very important trips, evenings and other gifts.

We wish you all a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Thank you for helping us to celebrate the life of our daughter, sister, granddaughter, and friend who was always the last person to leave the dance floor.

This week we shall mark Annas 23rd Birthday.