THREE charities are £2,000 better off thanks to a grand ball.

Suzan Cain will split the money between the Sick Children’s Trust, in London, J’s Hospice in Chelmsford, and the Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust to thank them for the support she and her son Nathan have received over the years.

Nathan, 19, from Colchester, was diagnosed with hydrocephalus just days after birth with other life-changing conditions having emerged since such as cerebral palsy and spinal deformity scoliosis.

Nathan has been treated at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge, and last year the Sick Children’s Trust provided Suzan and Nathan’s dad Neil with free accommodation nearby while Nathan underwent corrective back surgery.

Nathan’s Extravaganza was held in his honour and held at the Marks Tey Hotel in Colchester.

More than 100 guests dressed to the nines attended and “completely overwhelmed” Ms Cain with their generosity.

She said: “It was a brilliant night and was so lovely to meet people I hadn’t before who came to support us.

“All three charities have played an important part in our lives and we’re so grateful.

“I’d like to thank the sponsors for Nathan’s Extravaganza - Beijing Chinese, Colchester Electrical Wholesale, Duval building, Essex Mediation, Grafikamia and D Salmon Cars - plus everyone who donated prizes and to our guests.”

The Sick Children’s Trust, which runs ten Homes from Home supporting families with seriously ill children in hospital, also presented Nathan with a video message from his hero Chris Tarrant on the night.

Its community fundraiser, Clare Hanley-Humphries, said: “Suzan is an absolute inspiration. Her passion and enthusiasm is paramount to how successful the evening was, and we couldn’t thank her enough for raising such a substantial amount of money.”

Ms Cain is now planning her next fundraising event to take place in 2018.