FRIENDS and family of a Worcester singer who recently lost her battle with cancer are holding a fund-raising event in her memory on Saturday.

Christell O’Shea, of Birdlip Close, Warndon, died on Sunday, July 22, aged 39.

She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2008 and made it her mission to raise as much money for cancer charities up to her death.

Claire and Rose Merry, who are part of the organising team for the fund-raising event, said they felt raising money for St Richard’s Hospice, where Christell spent her last day, and the Macmillan Nurses was the best way to pay tribute to the memory of their friend.

“The event will be a fun day in Christell’s honour,” said Rose Merry. She was really passionate about fund-raising for cancer charities. We are keen to raise as much money as we can.

“It will be a fun day as she would have wanted. There will be a pool, face-painting for children, a tombola and a raffle and some of the men will be having sponsored waxing.

“One of Christell’s best friends, Raylene Cockell, is also going to wear a dress and heels for the first time since she was a child.

“This is the last thing we can do for Christell and we want it to be a fitting tribute to her. She was loved by thousands and was a real character. Anyone who met her fell in love with her.”

The event will take place at the Glovers Needle in Warndon from 3pm.