A family is raising cash for a hospice after it cared for their late daughter who battled a brain tumour.

Gloria Bermudez and her family from Chelmsford held a 70s and 80s themed charity ball with help from friends at Essex Police HQ Pavilion to raise money for Little Havens Hospice.

It was held in memory of their daughter, Maya, who sadly lost her battle against an aggressive brain tumour in March 2017 at the age of five.

Maya was diagnosed with a rare form of brain tumour at a late stage in September 2016 and bravely went though intensive surgery and treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

Maya and her family were also supported by Little Havens Hospice which provides respite and end of life care to babies, children and teenagers with life-limiting conditions across Essex.

Gloria said: “Maya was a happy little girl who put a smile on people’s faces.

“She was an inspiration to all who knew her because of the positivity, strength and tenacity with which she went through the intense radiation and chemotherapy that immediately followed the brain surgery.

“Words can’t do justice to describe who she was and a feeling called ‘Maya’ will always remain in our hearts.

“Little Havens helped us with emotional and practical support for the whole family, allowing us a caring and nurturing environment during Maya’s last few weeks of life.”

Zoe Jay, Community Fundraiser at Little Havens, said: “Thank you to Gloria, her family and school friends for organising the 70s and 80s Charity Ball.

“Little Havens Hospice needs to raise over £46,000 each week to help babies, children and teenagers living with a serious illness be as pain free and comfortable as possible – so we are very grateful for your generous support.”