Sassy's Sue Duffin and her dad, David Hearne, both had a diseased valve replaced at Leicester's Glenfield Hospital last July.

Only weeks after going under the knife, Sue set about organising a fund-raising ball to buy equipment for surgeon Giles Peek.

Sue persuaded friends and local businesses to donate a host of auction prizes including a sight-seeing helicopter ride, two tickets to watch the filming of Sky One's Soccer AM programme and tickets to see The Phantom of the Opera at London's West End.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in making this evening possible. I am overwhelmed by the generosity of all concerned. Many people have given a lot of their time & energy, and for this I am truly grateful."

"Finally, I would like to give a huge thank you to my family and friends for being there when I needed them most"

A fantastic £24,500 was raised!!! Thank you!