A POOLE mum is staging a glittering ball for the 12th year in a row, to raise money to help people with diabetes.

Iris Board, whose son Shane was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 20 years ago at the age of ten, is putting on the annual Pop4Diabetes Ball at The Village Hotel, Bournemouth on Saturday, October 13 October.

The black-tie event, which this year has a Disney and West End Musicals theme, will unite families and others affected by diabetes, and people committed to supporting diabetes charities, for a sparkling reception, followed by a three-course dinner, entertainment, dancing and celebrity appearances.

The identity of the celebrities remains a closely guarded secret until the night itself but last year’s famous faces included EastEnders actors Harry Reid – Ben Mitchell in the soap – and Jamie Borthwick, who plays Jay Brown, Paul Bohill from Can’t Pay? We’ll Take it Away! and John Middleton, who played vicar Ashley Thomas in Emmerdale.

Guests can enjoy performances by a team of dancers from Southbourne-based dance school, LEAP Dance with Yolanda, who have been involved in the event for the last few years as one of its students, Caitlin Dawson, has Type 1 diabetes.

Iris will also present the Pop4Diabetes Child of Courage Awards, which are awarded to a boy and a girl who have shown exceptional bravery in dealing with their Type 1 diabetes.

Proceeds from the event will go to diabetes charities, including Diabetes UK. Over the years, Pop4Diabetes has raised around £85,000 for diabetes causes.

Iris Board said: “I was motivated to set up Pop4Diabetes by my son Shane, who was very clear from quite a young age that he wanted to raise money for diabetes research and find a cure. Our annual ball is our main fundraiser but it is more than that – it is also a time when people whose lives are affected by diabetes come together and have a fantastic time.”

Tickets for the 2018 Pop4Diabetes Ball cost £65 for adults and £45 for children. To book, call Iris Board on 07789 036278.