Ballgoers in the pink to remember Clairey

The colour pink washed over Thatcham on Saturday night as a sparkly, diamond celebration was held in memory of a young woman who died unexpectedly last year.

Clairey Dee-Shapland from Ball Hill, died of a sudden cardiac arrhythmia at the age of 22.

Her mother, Lorraine Dee-Shapland, organised a fund-raising party at the Catholic Church hall to mark the anniversary of her daughter's death.

She said: "The ball was to celebrate Clarey's wonderful life and share all the lovely memories we have of her. Everyone came wearing pink as this was Clairey's favourite colour and I know she would approve wholeheartedly. Even the men joined in with pink ties, hats and tops."

Money raised from ticket sales and donations to the event are expected to reach £5,000. It will be donated to two charities – the RSPCA, because of Clairey's love for animals, and CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).

The pink party ran through the night to the anniversary of Clairey's death on Sunday.

"I was a bit unsure about how I would react on the evening but it all went wonderfully. We had a great response from people and sold 180 tickets. I know she would have loved the evening," Mrs Dee-Shapland added.