THE loss of three family members to cancer in the last 18 months has inspired a Bournemouth mum to stage a fundraising variety show.

Connie O’Gormley, is putting on An Evening of Magic, Comedy, Music and Dance at the Bournemouth East Liberal Club in Holdenhurst Road for Cancer Research UK.

The 35-year-old, from Townsend, lost her step-mum to lung cancer in November, her grandmother to anal cancer last June and her other grandmother to womb cancer in January 2010.

She also lost her uncle and granddad to stomach cancer several years ago.

Connie, mum to Chantelle, 13, and Ciara, nine, decided to hold the event after first doing a sponsored weight loss, which didn’t raise as much money as she hoped.

She said: “We’ve got table magic, a platform medium, a belly dancer and I’m still waiting to hear back from a couple of other acts.

“There are also three raffle draws, a gold, silver and bronze, with prizes including £200 of Sainsbury’s vouchers, a boat trip around Poole Quay while the fireworks are on. All the prizes have been donated by local businesses.”

Connie, who works as a purchase ledger supervisor for an independent plumbing merchant, is also arranging a children’s area with entertainment, including a disco, for the little ones.

She added: “Losing these family members to cancer has motivated me to sit up, take notice and take action in fighting against this horrible thing that affects most people's lives either directly or indirectly.

“It’s a shame that I didn’t do anything earlier, before I felt the direct effect of cancer.

“If I had, then maybe things would have been different for those I have lost.”

Tickets for the event, which takes place on Saturday, June 16, cost £5 and are available from Connie on 07830 210434 or Naomi on 07955 503138.