MORE than 130 guests attended the eighth annual Michelle Jurd Memorial Trust (MJMT) Ball at the Netherwood Hotel in Grange-over-Sands, which raised £15,500.

The MJMT was founded in memory of Michelle Jurd, a mother of two and former RAF helicopter navigator, who died in a collision on the A590 near Levens in 2009. Since then the MJMT has raised more than £125,000.

The money raised goes to promote adventurous training and arts-based, extra curricular activity for young people, and also makes large donations to military charities, including the RAF Benevolent Fund and Gurkha Welfare Trust.

Ball guests arriving at the Netherwood were welcomed by the Corps of Drums of Lancashire Army Cadets, who lined the grand steps up the Netherwood Hotel’s imposing entrance. The MJMT has previously made donations to both Cumbria and Lancashire Army Cadets.

Once inside guests were welcomed with champagne, before a bugler played to announce dinner.

There was a three-course dinner, after which Neil Jurd spoke to guests about the purpose of the charity, and thanked ball organiser Alison Read for her hard work and dedication.

Guests then saw the short film that the MJMT has produced, showing the work of the charity. The film features pupils and teachers from Grange and Allithwaite primary schools, and Colonel Anthony Steven from Cumbria Army Cadets.

Auctioneer James Leeper hosted the auction of a number of special prizes, including a private tour of Windsor Castle, a trip in a flight simulator, a VIP tour for the Aston Martin factory, dinner for four at Holbeck Ghyll Hotel and a helicopter flight over Windermere.

After dinner local band The Cutters played and guests stayed well into the early hours.

A wide variety of guests attended the ball, which is a friendly, fun, inclusive event. Next year’s ball will be on November 24, at the Netherwood Hotel.