Sidmouth Living with Cancer received a bumper donation - and a man who lost his life to the illness was honoured - at the last music night at the Blue Ball on Sunday (December 16).

Charity president Lynne Maxwell accepted a cheque for �1,500 from organiser Sue King and many of the guests who helped raise the sterling sum.

The evening had a Christmas in Australia theme and a poignant moment saw �100 presented to the cause by family and friends of Sidmouth-born Martin ‘Marty’ Andrews, who died from cancer aged 47, in Perth last month. The Blue Ball was once Marty’s local and the money was given by his aunt and uncle, Sue and Eddie Baker, and lifelong pals Derek and Frances Woodward.

“That donation, alongside my cheque, made all the fundraising this year at the Blue Ball so very much more personal, but also highlighted the fact that this money is going to help people who suffer from cancer,” said Sue, a music teacher.

“Sidmouth Living with Cancer do their utmost to make every moment good for them.”

The music night cash has been accumulated thanks to the fantastic support from the likes of Sue, Kate Thomson the La La Choir, Sid Vale Folk, members of Rough Music, Cole Stacey and Jon Barlow, Robin Nancarrow, Julian Piper, Ben Tallamy, Big Al Whittle, Nigel ‘Stripey Howling’ Hancock, Jonty Depp, Flash Jack Shanty Crew, Sam Abrahams, Kathryn Richardson, and lots of local folk friends and floor singers.

Lynne said the funds would go to keeping the charity’s minibus on the road to help the group’s 90 members.