A KIND-HEARTED Crewe college employee has raised £15,000 for charity in memory of two family friends who died of cancer.

Steph Simcox, who works at South Cheshire College, has organised various fundraisers following the deaths of Sarah Bennett and Malcolm Wright.

The close friends both lost their battles with cancer during the last two years.

Steph’s latest fundraiser, which took place on Saturday, September 26, was an action-packed night of fun at Shavington Social Club.

The charity shindig featured entertainment from The Task and comedian Carl Schofield.

Steph, a business administration and customer service assessor for South Cheshire College’s work-based learning team, raised more than £2,000 from the event.

This has pushed her fundraising total to around £15,000.

Steph said: “The event was another excellent evening and it was a fantastic turnout. Everyone who attended dug deep to support it.

“I’d like to say a big thank-you to all the local businesses who made donations and supported the event and it was pleasing to raise so much money for two very worthy causes.”

She donated her latest proceeds to The Christie Hospital in Manchester and the Shine Bright Foundation, which was set up by Sarah’s family shortly before she passed away.

The Christie Hospital in Manchester is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres which supports cancer patients and their families.

The event was supported by local businesses and as well as raising money from ticket sales, an auction and raffle on the night helped to swell the coffers.

The Christie and Shine Bright event will take place annually every September at Shavington Social Club.

Steph’s next fundraising event will take place in March 2016 to raise funds for the Ronald Macdonald House at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.