A WOMAN fundraising for her friends’ children who are battling life-changing illnesses has thanked the public for their “amazing” support.

Lisa Freedman, of Latchingdon, is hosting the charity winter wonderland ball to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust and a little girl with global development delay.

The trust was chosen by teenager Christopher Lloyd, from Althorne, who was diagnosed with leukaemia days before Christmas 2014.

He is now making a good recovery and hopes to attend the ball at Braxted Park on November 26.

The money will be split between the trust and Olivia Bowyer, of Great Dunmow, who has global development delay, which means she develops more slowly than other children and has a mental age of two.

Lisa, who runs Lisa’s Pretty Gardens, is still on the lookout for auction prizes for the day.

She said: “All the arrangements for the ball are in full swing but really need to sell some more tickets.

“We have been lucky enough to have the Great Dunmow Windmow play for us for free as guests are arriving.

“It's going to be a glamorous, glittery night and lots of fun.

“The support from people has been amazing but we still need to sell more tickets to raise the much needed funds for both these charities.”

The tickets cost £80 and include a five course meal, a performance by a band and an auction.

Call 07708960716 to donate auction items and to purchase tickets.