A GROUP of seven friends are organising a glamorous ball in memory of their friend who died from mouth cancer.
Alice Collier, Laura Daniels, Olivia Greenwood, Abigail Packham, Rachel Lambert, Kate Selwyn, Victoria Monk and Alexis Peadon all attended Nottingham Girls' High School.
In December 2012, four days before her 18th birthday, Alexis was diagnosed with a rare form of mouth cancer.
She left school to undergo chemotherapy, an extensive operation and radiotherapy. She made an initial recovery, going back into the school's sixth form.
But the cancer returned and Alexis lost her two-year battle on January 26, 2012, aged 20.
Now, her friends are organising The Great Gatsby Ball to raise money for the new Teenage Cancer Unit at the Queen's Medical Centre.
Alice, 21, of Southwell, who is studying at Durham University, said: "Alexis was an inspiration to us all.
"All proceeds of the ball will go to Teenage Cancer Trust, which will donate the money to the new cancer ward. We know first-hand what a difference this will make, as Alexis – who had just turned 18 – only had the option of either a child or adult ward.
"A new ward specifically designed for the needs of teenagers will be great."
The ball will be held at Goosedale Conference and Banqueting Centre, in Papplewick, on Friday, September 13, from 7pm.
Alice added: "The night should be one of 1920s glamour and we are well on our way to achieving our goal of 500 people.
"We have had sponsorship from Dunelm Mill and support from HSBC, Boots and Kier Construction so far."
Alexis's parents, Richard and Sue Peadon, of Bingham, said: "Her friends want to raise awareness of the plight of young people suffering from cancer by raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust. As a family, we have become increasingly aware of the superb work carried out by the trust in Nottingham.
"Please come and support us on the night and help us make it a night to remember, to celebrate Alexis' life and to support Teenage Cancer Trust."
Tickets cost £50, or £45 for students. For more information about the ball or to book tickets, go to www.ggballnottingham.com
