A charity set up to help children and their families suffering serious illnesses raised more than £100,000 at its annual ball.

The Friends of Shelby Newstead (FoSN) dinner and dance was attended by 850 people, whose generous donations and auction bids amassed a staggering £113,000.

This was a record-breaking total for the organisers, who last year raised just over £85,000.

FoSN was set up by David and Sally Newstead, of White Post Lane, Culverstone, after their daughter Shelby was diagnosed with the rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma at nine months old in 1996.

Shelby, now 20 and a talented artist, had surgery to remove a large tumour behind her heart, but miraculously she never needed the gruelling course of post-operative chemotherapy doctors had planned for her.

Instead, her family embarked on a dramatic lifestyle change in which her diet was switched to all natural and organic foods. Shelby still follows the strict diet to this day.

The charity, run by six voluntary trustees, held its first ball in 1996 and this year’s took place at the Kent Showground in Detling.

Entertainment included music from 1970s disco band Heatwave, Shirley Bassey impersonator Paula Randell and lavish auction prizes such as a Spitfire flight, a trip to Paris on the Orient Express and a passenger flight in a T52 jet fighter.

People also bid for a painting by Shelby, who has exhibited her work in the Turner Contemporary in Margate.

“It was the last lot of the night and it was all very emotional,” said Mr Newstead, 55. “Shelby was in tears and I think she is now realising that all this is being done because of her.”

FoSN was involved in last year’s BBC DIY SOS project to help Hartley Bottom youngster Charlie Russell and his family.

“Friends Of Shelby Newstead is a people’s charity and children are referred to us by friends and their friends,” added Mr Newstead.

“We have had three or four referred to us because hospitals have said there is nothing more they can do.

“We want to spend the money we raise and spend it in the right places.”

For more information, visit shelbynewstead.com