A MOTHER is planning her sixth and final charity ball in memory of a much-loved son who died from a brain tumour, aged just 11 years old.

Mandy Bateman, aged 51, of Sansome Walk, Worcester, is organising a grand ball entitled Josh's Do: Going for Gold at Worcester Whitehouse in Foregate Street, on Saturday, April 7, in memory of her son who died in August 2006 after a 15-month cancer battle.

All 114 tickets sold out within a day but Mrs Bateman is still seeking support through donations and the purchase of raffle tickets for the event.

Mrs Bateman, nee Painter, originally from Bridgnorth, is an ambassador for the Starlight Children's Foundation and has raised £960k for the charity, which grants wishes for seriously ill children, and is hoping to hit the £1M mark through the event.

Starlight granted Josh his wish of a lifetime to meet Lord of the Rings star Orlando Bloom and his picture with the celebrity featured in the charity's national door-drop campaign.

"I am having a final push to get to the million mark and make Josh a million pound boy," she said.

"It is going to be one last hurrah.

"Josh agreed for his picture with Orlando to be used as a national door-drop campaign, he said 'if it means that we can raise money so that children can have what I had, let's do it' this has been the driving force behind me, family, friends and colleagues.

"I was able to chat to him (Josh) about his wish and the wonders that brought us all and now I have the most wonderful memories to treasure."

"There will be Worcestershire children who will have had and also be waiting for wishes and also families who do not know about the wonderful work Starlight do.

"They really do brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families during the bleakest of times."

She added: "Ultimately it has always been about him (Josh) and his legacy to help other children."

The event includes an auction, society lottery, a disco and a two course meal.

Mrs Bateman was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen's honours in 2013 for her fundraising.

Her family are holding a variety of charity events throughout the year to help reach the mammoth amount, including Josh's sister Holly Jakeways, aged 29, who is taking part in an inflatable obstacle course in his memory.

Anyone who would like to provide a raffle prize, take part in the raffle or make donation can contact Mrs Bateman on 07891336885 or email mandypainter66@hotmail.co.uk.

To make a donation directly to Starlight or for more information go to starlight.org.uk.