A CHARITY evening is being held in honour of a York woman being treated for a rare form of cancer.

Niki Scarce, 30, has organised the event at The Swan in Bishopthorpe Road, to raise money for Myeloma UK, after her mother Nives was diagnosed with the cancer.

Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is a cancer arising from plasma cells, a type of cell made in the bone marrow that forms part of the immune system.

To help fund research into the rare cancer, Niki has organised a charity raffle evening from 7pm on Saturday with prizes donated from York businesses, a barbecue, games and facepainting.

She said: "It's a charity that is very, very close to mine and my family's hearts.

"Like a lot of people, I had never heard of myeloma until my mum was diagnosed earlier this year.

"As it stands, myeloma remains incurable. We hope for new treatments. Because it's rare not that much is known about it. We want to raise awareness as well as money."

Nives was diagnosed with myeloma after being diagnosed with five spinal fractures caused by the cancer.

She had been having tests since March 2014 and was eventually diagnosed in January this year.

"She was very upset but now she is getting on with things," Niki said, saying her mum has been undergoing chemotherapy at York Hospital and will also have stem cell treatments in Leeds.

While myeloma isn't curable it can be controlled and Nives is expected to go through relapses and remittances.

There are approximately 4,800 people diagnosed with myeloma every year in the UK. It is the second most common form of bone marrow cancer, but only represents one per cent of all cancers.

In August, Niki and a big group of her friends are doing the Yorkshire three peaks challenge in fancy dress for Myeloma UK.

"I'm overwhelmed by support from my friends," she said. "We all want to make as much of a difference as we can."

To sponsor Niki, visit www.justgiving.com/Niki-Scarce1