A CHARITY night in memory of a 13-year-old girl who died last year of cystic fibrosis raised £3,500 after being organised by her best friends.

Katie Ledwith and Grace Twist, both 14, from Haresfinch were devastated when their best friend Abi Powell died last year after battling with cystic fibrosis.

Despite their grief, the Cowley pupils came up with the idea of hosting a fundraising night at Haresfinch rugby and community club which they organised alongside a group of their friends on Friday.

The event raised £3,500 in total for The Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Katie's proud dad Tim Ledwith said: "We as parents were unbelievably proud of the girls for coming up with the idea and though they have had our support they organised everything themselves.

"They went to the club themselves and got businesses to donate raffle prizes and what we got was incredible.

"Around 170 people turned up to enjoy the fun and the event sold out in just a few days.

"They've organised smaller things in the past but this is the biggest thing they've put together as they are still coming to terms with Abi's death.

"Abi's family were there as well and it really was a brilliant night.

"Even the face painting and hair braiding stalls raised funds towards the final total, it was brilliantly done and I couldn't be more proud of them.

"It's absolutely wonderful what they have done."

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects mostly the lungs, as well as the pancreas, liver, kidneys and intestine and affects breathing and coughing up mucus as a result of frequent lung infections.

To donate to the fund in Abi's memory visit abigailabi-powell.muchloved.com.