AROUND 100 people gathered on Bournemouth Beach to watch as the pier glowed gold.

The event, which is the first of its kind in the county, was organised for Glow Gold September, a childhood cancer awareness campaign supported by local and national charities.

It will see more than 190 buildings throughout the UK and worldwide illuminated gold including Niagara Falls and the Spinnaker Tower.

The Bournemouth Pier event on Thursday evening was organised by Vicky Turner, whose daughter Isabel Baker died from leukaemia on August 12 last year, just days after her first birthday.

Following her death Vicky set up the Isabel Baker Foundation which helps support bereaved parents.

Around 100 people joined Vicky, her family and friends and Bournemouth Mayor Eddie Coope for a moving ceremony on the beach before the gold lights were switched on at 8.30pm.

Those involved were asked to stand in the shape of the childhood cancer awareness ribbon on the beach with their LED tealights.

Speaking to the Echo Vicky, 27, said: “I’m so pleased with how the event has gone.

“We couldn’t believe how many people turned up to show their support not just for Isabel but all the other little boys and girls who have lost their lives to cancer.

“This is the first year that parents have been involved in the organisation of the event and we just want to continue making it bigger and better every year.

“Throughout her first year Isabel taught us one thing and that was how to fight – and we are going to continue fighting against childhood cancer.”

Vicky had also made a PowerPoint presentation of around 30 children from around the country who had all lost their lives to cancer – which was also projected on the pier during the event.

“It was really hard to make as some of them had been in hospital with Isabel but it was a nice way to remember them,” added Vicky.

The main lights on the pier were due to be turned off from 11pm but the spotlights along the walkway will stay on until dusk.

Speaking at the event Mayor, Cllr Eddie Coope said: “It’s a very important event and it was wonderful to see so many people show up to support not just Vicky and her family – but the thousands of other children who have lost their lives to cancer and who are battling the disease currently.

“It’s all about supporting each other and we will be doing our bit throughout the month.”

For Vicky she just hopes the event will raise some much needed awareness about childhood cancer – which claims the lives of around 250 children every year in the UK.

“Raised awareness is crucial for earlier diagnosis, increased funding, increased research, kinder more targeted therapy and ultimately a change in the prognosis for children diagnosed with cancer,” added Vicky, who lives in Christchurch.

The Twin Sails Bridge, The Priory and Highcliffe Castle have also pledged to glow gold for the campaign.

And according to Vicky 20 Santander bank branches between Bournemouth and Southampton have agreed to host a Glow Gold area in branch all month – as have the Ludo Lounge and Christchurch Library.

Isabel’s 11-year-old half-sister Morgan Baker, who picked Isabel’s name when she was born, has been working with her mum Kim Griffiths to arrange a fashion in aid of the Foundation.

They are currently looking for a venue, sponsors and any retailers who would be willing to donate clothes.

To find out more about the Isabel Baker Foundation go to theisabelbakerfoundation.co.uk To find out about the early symptoms and signs of childhood cancer go to bechildcanceraware.org