A CHARITY ball at Middlewich Civic Hall has raised an incredible £9,500.

The event aimed to raise awareness for a chronic condition called Chiari Malformation, where the lower part of the brain pushes down on the spinal cord.

Organiser Charlotte Edwards, 24, from Middlewich, said: "We were gobsmacked! It was a staggering amount of money. Everyone rallied round to help us. I couldn't be more grateful."

Northwich Guardian:

Charlotte Edwards with Richard Elson who bid £130 for the 'last rolo' in the auction at the charity ball

Her twin sister Becky and dad Barry, 57, have been diagnosed with the condition, also known as brain hernia as the brain is too big for the head and slips down the back of the neck, creating pressure as well as a variety of symptoms.

"My dad was successfully operated on in 2002 when very little was known about it. But unfortunately, after my sister's diagnosis in 2016, her surgery was unsuccessful in 2017.

Northwich Guardian:

Hope Tatton, Barry Edwards and Becky Edwards

"She is currently undergoing further tests and investigations to see if there is anything more than she can have done."

Barry and Becky live on their family farm in Warmingham.

Northwich Guardian:

Becky and Charlotte Edwards co-ordinating the charity auction which raised £7,420

Money raised on the evening is being given to The Ann Conroy Trust, which supports people with Chiari Malformation.

More than 70 raffle prizes were donated and incredible treats were up for grabs in an auction.

Flights for two people to New York, a holiday in a villa in Turkey for 14 people, a family photo shoot, a curry night for six, a day's gardening services, afternoon tea and a spa voucher were among many prizes which came under the hammer.

Northwich Guardian:

Richard Elson who donated flights to New York for the auction and bought the 'last rolo' with Charlotte Edwards

Auctioneer Jonty Cliffe, who won the Farmer's Guardian New Auctioneer of the Year 2018 led the bids.

The auction alone raised £7,420.

"It is really staggering how much people came together to help such a small charity," said Charlotte. "I am really chuffed. I only expected to raise £2,000. I couldn't believe the final figure. It has made me so happy."

Northwich Guardian:

Hope Tatton and Becky Edwards

A team of volunteers worked all day to turn the civic venue into a stunning ballroom where all the guests were treated to a hog roast.

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Proud mum Liz praised her daughter's efforts.

She said: "Charlotte did a bungee jump last year and raised £1,500. The next thing she said she would do was organise a ball and she hasn't stopped working on for nearly a year. It was absolutely brilliant.

"Everyone in Middlewich has been talking about it."

The family is hoping to host another charity event next year to raise funds for North West Air Ambulance and the RNLI in memory of Charlotte's grandad who went to sea.