A NORTH Yorkshire resident has raised £4,600 for charity after she and her father were both hit by cancer.

Rachel Darby, from Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, received the devastating news she had breast cancer in September 2013, at the age of 35. But Rachel and her family received another traumatic blow the following year, when her father was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

After making full recovery following her diagnosis, Rachel decided to try and help others battling the disease by fundraising for two charities.

As a result she organised a fundraising masquerade ball at the Holiday Inn at Scotch Corner near Richmond.

The event raised thousands for Prostate Cancer UK and Breast Cancer Now, which was created in June this year following the merger of leading research charities Breast Cancer Campaign and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

The £4,600 raised will be split equally between the two charities.

Rachel said: “I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 and having completed my treatment and been given the all clear I wanted to raise awareness and money to help find cures for the disease.

“My dad was also diagnosed with prostate cancer last year, so I wanted to involve the two charities.

“I decided to organise the event for Prostate Cancer UK and show my support for their Men United movement because more men need to be aware of the symptoms of the disease and speak to their GPs sooner if they have concerns.”