THREE women who all lost their fathers to mesothelioma have raised a staggering £11,000 for the battle against the asbestos-related cancer.

Amanda Miller, Fran Milner and Rachel Thackray organised a sell-out fundraising ball in aid of Mesothelioma UK at Drax Sports and Social Club near Selby last weekend.

The night of glitz and glamour, featuring auctions and raffles, was attended by former EastEnders actress Kierston Wareing, who is patron of the charity, accompanied by her friend, author B W Knight.

The organisers, who raised £7,500 through a similar event last year and £4,500 in 2012, said they were overwhelmed by the success of the event.

Amanda, of Thorne, said: “ Our goal when starting to organise a ball was to try and raise awareness of this awful condition. We had no idea that we could raise so much.”

Rachel, of Osgodby, said that raising so much money had made all the hard work worthwhile. "We have had such great support from the community and sponsors. I am proud to have been involved.”

Fran, of Carlton, said: “We are so grateful for the generosity of those who supported the events and turned up on the night. Everyone had a great time and some real good has been done’.

The women praised Kierston for backing the event, saying it helped raise the profile of the 'awful disease.'

Kierston, who played Kirsty Branning in the BBC soap until Christmas and became a patron of Mesothelioma UK after her mother Carol died from the disease, said it relied on the support of great events such as this. "The charity helps people very day," she said. "The money is much appreciated.”

Ball sponsor and friend, Howard Bonnett of Corries Solicitors Limited of York, said Amanda, Fran and Rachel's achievements were inspiring. "Those who attended and helped will make a real difference to asbestos victims not only in Yorkshire but nationwide," he added.