A Pink Ball at Nailcote Hall Hotel Golf & Country Club has raised £8k for state-of-the-art cancer treatment at local hospitals.

It marks the 22nd year of the popular event, organised by the hotel’s co-owner and two-times cancer survivor Sue Cressman, from Dorridge. The 65-year-old, who underwent a mastectomy ten years ago, has been continuing to give back by fundraising for life-saving medical equipment for local hospitals. Sue said:

“I'm proud that The Pink Ball at the Hall is providing local NHS hospitals withequipment for their Breast Cancer Units. Knowing that this event can make such a difference to the lives of Breast Cancer Patients inspires me to carry on each year and with the help of sponsors and guests make this event bigger and better.”

At just 32 years old, Sue found a lump in her breast but, following an examination, she was reassured and sent home without any further tests. Just months later she collapsed in pain while at a public speaking event in America.

Sue’s treatment included ten months in a hospice while undergoing gruelling chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.

Some 21 years after believing she’d beaten the disease, Sue later learned her cancer had returned and, in 2013, she was forced to make the agonising decision to have her breast removed. It also resulted in 16 corrective surgeries due to complications due to her earlier radiotherapy.

Between helping Rick run their 17th-century Nailcote Hall country house and hotel in Coventry, the former Midlands Businesswoman of the Year, dedicates as much of her time as possible to fundraising. To date, she is estimated to have donated more than £500k worth equipment to hospitals in and around the West Midlands.

The ball was attended by 225 guests, including television actor Christopher Walker, who is best known for his roles in BBC’s Doctors and drama Merseybeat; and musician Andy Kyriacou, the original drummer in 80s band Modern Romance. He became lead singer when he reformed the band in 1999.

Proceeds from ticket sales, auction and raffle on the night, will help fund a multi purpose bed with accessories to ensure it is suitable for all breast cancer patients at Solihull Hospital; and specialist headlamps for surgical procedures and a computer programme which allows a patient to see what their breast reconstruction will look like before they undergo surgery, at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire.

Specially invited guests at the event, which was sponsored by 6th Gear Experiences, also included Mr Hamed Khan, consultant at UHCW and Mrs Sree Rejan, surgeon at Solihull .Live entertainment from a host of West End stars, kept the party going, culminating in a performance by The Jersey Rollers, featuring Michael Watson.

Sue Cressman is also the guest on a special episode of Bia’s Kitchen Show, from September 20th, dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Photos: Karen Massey Photography