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Sheppey couple's Pink Tie charity ball raises £10,000 for Cancer Research

The final Pink Tie Charity Ball went out on a high, raising £10,000 for Cancer Research UK.

It was put together by Sean and Sharon D'Alton and their team of supporters dubbed the Cava Crew.

They have now raised £70,000 since mum-of-two Sharon was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Sharon and Sean D'Alton at the last Sheppey Pink Tie Ball at Gillingham FC's Priestfield Stadium (2704703)
Sharon and Sean D'Alton at the last Sheppey Pink Tie Ball at Gillingham FC's Priestfield Stadium (2704703)

The pair, from Petfield Close, Minster, marked the 10th anniversary of her diagnosis with the last ever Pink Tie charity ball at Gillingham FC’s Priestfield stadium on Saturday.

Sharon, 56, said: “This anniversary was something to celebrate and to be grateful for.”

She was diagnosed in 2008 and had a double-mastectomy, chemo and radiotherapy. In 2014 she was given the all-clear.

She said: “After enduring stage 4 cancer, life has had its ups and downs, with both tears and laughter along the way. But I’ve been blessed with great friends and a very supportive community which has backed me for the past decade."

The gentlemen's dance-off at Sheppey's Pink Tie Ball at Gillingham FC's Priestfield Stadium (2704682)
The gentlemen's dance-off at Sheppey's Pink Tie Ball at Gillingham FC's Priestfield Stadium (2704682)

Members of the Cava Crew – it was to have been the Bollinger Babes until some chaps joined in – have jumped out of planes, climbed the O2 Arena, walked marathons, collected jumble and zip-wired across London.

Saturday's entertainment included Island magician Matty Evans, Sittingbourne party band Marylebone Jelly and games - including a 'bra grab' and a chaps' dancing competition hosted by compere Paul Rogers.

But the highlight was a charity auction of sporting memorabilia.

Marylebone Jelly at Sheppey's Pink Tie Ball at Gillingham FC's Priestfield Stadium (2704692)
Marylebone Jelly at Sheppey's Pink Tie Ball at Gillingham FC's Priestfield Stadium (2704692)
Magician Matty Evans and compere Paul Rogers at Sheppey's Pink Tie Ball at Gillingham FC's Priestfield Stadium (2704686)
Magician Matty Evans and compere Paul Rogers at Sheppey's Pink Tie Ball at Gillingham FC's Priestfield Stadium (2704686)

Lots included a signed boxing glove by former world champion Frank Bruno (£140), a Slazenger cricket bat signed by England legend Sir Ian Botham (£130), a football boot signed by Manchester United star Wayne Rooney (£200) and a Chelsea football shirt signed by England player John Terry (£300).

But the most treasured was a signed frame of photographs of boxing champ Anthony Joshua's 2017 fight against Klitschof when he clinched three world championships. That went under the hammer for £700 after fan Tom Allsworth, boss of Medichem, waded in with a knock-out bid.

Mr Allsworth also topped up the night's takings of £8,500 to take it to £10,000.

Businessman Sean, who runs Euro Training Services, told the 170 diners: "This journey has been amazing. It is sad this is coming to an end but Sharon and I thought it was time to start taking things a little easier."

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