THE memory of a brave Barrow five-year-old lived on a fundraising ball in his name.

More than £10,000 was raised during a glittering gala at Abbey House thrown in honour of Jake Ellis.

When, in 2008, Jake Ellis died of rhabdomyosarcoma, his parents Jo-Ann and Nick began their tireless campaign to make sure no other parents would go through what they did.the night.

Now, 10 years on, the night has pushed the amount they have raised for Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group to more than £200,000.

“It was an absolutely incredible night, everybody looked amazing and it was a great dedication to Jake,” said proud mum Jo-Ann Ellis.

“We enjoyed a lovely three-course meal, and everyone danced the night away celebrating Jake’s life.

“We gave away some fantastic prizes and received a lot of lovely donations.

“We had a lot of sports memorabilia and we did really well, around £9,500 was raised on the right and we received a donation of £1,000 from BAE Tuck Shop.”

Fewer than 60 children are diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma in the UK each year.

Family of friends of Jake have undertaken a huge number of fundraising events, including the annual Jake Ellis Charity Ball, London to Paris Cycle Challenge, the Great North Run, and the Keswick to Barrow walk to raise vital money for the family.

“When I started raising money for Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group there was only a couple of families raising money for it,” added Mrs Ellis.

“Now it is a huge organisation so I am over the moon with the amount we have raised.

“I can’t think of the right words to say, it is outstanding how much we have raised over the last 10 years.

“It is brilliant, and I hope we have made a difference to children’s lives.”

Earlier this year Barrow’s Parkrun was turned red to honour Jake’s life.

Visit www.cclg.org.uk/TeamJake