A daughter who could not make it to her father’s funeral is holding a charity night to pay tribute to him.

Danielle Bates, 31, will be holding a ‘Big Band Night’ at the Royal British Legion, Parnell Close, Edgware, in memory of her father Terry who died of bowel cancer in January.

The 69-year-old had moved to Florida ten years ago, so his only daughter was unable to be there for his funeral.

Miss Bates, a special needs co-ordinator, is now appealing for bands to perform at the event and sponsors to donate raffle prizes to help make it a success.

She said: “He was a fantastic dad and we always had loads of fun - we were always off doing something when we were younger.

“This event is for people who could not get to the funeral, but also for others who want to support a cancer charity.

“It will be very lighthearted and it’s a great opportunity to raise awareness about bowel cancer.”

Mr Bates, who was a soldier in the British Army, was diagnosed with bowel cancer two years ago and money raised from the event will go towards the Macmillan Nurses.

When his daughter was growing up, they used to spend a lot of time at the legion and she picked the venue because it has a “lot of good memories” there.

She added: “The legion means a lot to me so I thought it would be the perfect venue.

“I know he’ll be there in spirit. I want to raise awareness about cancer and bowel cancer - I think this event is a great way to do that.”

It will be held on September 7 and tickets cost £10.

To sponsor the event, to perform there or to buy tickets e-mail Danielle on daniellebates@hotmail.co.uk or ring 07736241484 after August 21.