When Ludlow resident Di Ward was asked how she planned to celebrate her 60th birthday, she knew exactly what she wanted to do.

“I want to do something big to raise money for fighting cancer – in memory of too many people I’ve loved and lost to the awful disease.”

Last week saw the final step of her big birthday fundraising journey when £6,500 raised by Kick Out Cancer Cabaret, the evening of burlesque, comedy and entertainment Di devised, was handed to two local cancer charities – Severn Hospice, gives specialist care and support free of charge to families across Shropshire and North Powys who are living with an incurable illness, and Lingen Davies, which was launched in 1979 to bring cancer services closer to the people of Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and Mid-Wales.

The cabaret, held at Ludlow Assembly Rooms in June, featured a Full Monty finale routine, while the evening’s warm-up was taken care of by drag act Kiki and charmingly cheeky co-compère Serena Siren, whilst Ludlow's own burlesque troupe the Wicked Wenches offered a bevy of saucy performances, including an exuberantly loud and colourful can-can.

Numerous local businesses, including McConnells, Karen Lloyd and Howdens, sponsored the event, Ludlow Brewery, Sainsburys, Blakemore Foundation and Bikold donated the first drink, while others gave exciting prizes for the raffle, including an overnight stay in the Ludlow Airstream (by Gaynor and Carl Huntbach).

Accepting a cheque for £3,250 on behalf of Lingen Davies, Karen Roberts, community and volunteer fundraiser for the charity, said: “What an incredible amount … well done to you and everyone involved.”

“So many people joined forces to create a spectacular and memorable night," said Di, "and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Something good came out of such a lot of fun, so here’s to the next one – watch this space!”

Special thanks go to Ludlow Rugby Club, Jess at the Rose and Crown and LAR for the use of rehearsal space, and to photographer Mike Dodson who generously gave his time.