Determined fundraiser Mike Farley is keeping the memory of his late wife, Cazi, alive while continuing to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Mike, 67, of Ravenshead, who was head of service at Mansfield District Council, managing the engineers’ and architects’ departments, is hosting a second Shine 4 Cazi Fundraising Ball later this year.

His wife, Carol (Cazi), who also worked at the council, died from secondary breast cancer 10 years ago.

To mark the anniversary, the fundraising ball will be held in aid of Cancer Research UK on Saturday, 18th November at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Nottingham.

Mike, who previously completed five marathon Shine Night Walks in London for the charity, said: “Since I lost my beautiful wife and soulmate Cazi in 2013, I have been a passionate supporter of Cancer Research UK in its quest to bring forward the day when we beat cancer.

“Over the years I have taken on many fundraising challenges, including the London to Brighton 100k Ultra Marathon and, since 2018, I have also been a lead volunteer with the charity’s UK’s Events Team, playing a key role in delivering their Race For Life, Pretty Muddy, and Shine Walk Events.”

He said the ball would be a fantastic evening, with a welcome drink reception, followed by a three-course meal with tea and coffee.

“During the evening guests will hear from Cancer Research UK about how, through supporting my ball, they will be helping to bring forward the day when we beat cancer,” Mike added.

“They will see some of the incredibly inspiring new developments in treatments and get a glimpse of what taking part in Race For Life, Pretty Muddy, and Shine Walk events is like.

“Guests will be able to take part in our raffle and have fun at a live auction and silent auction, and snap up some incredible raffle prizes and auction lots.

“I have secured a brilliant live band so guests will be able to dance the night away, Cazi loved to dance so I am sure she will be with us in spirit.

“Tickets are now on sale, starting from £75 per person so don’t miss out. Get together with friends and family and book a table for 10 to be entered into a free prize draw to win £100 for your table.

“If you would like to join us and help make a difference, please get in touch via my dedicated Shine 4 Cazi Fundraising Ball email — [email protected] — to let me know if you would be interested in coming and I will send further details of how to book tickets.”

Mike is now appealing for items for the raffle and auction lots and said he also has sponsorship opportunities available.

Any business that would like to support the event is asked to email [email protected]

“Please support my ball and help make a difference,” Mike said.

“You will be playing your part in helping to bring forward the day when we beat cancer.

“If you are unable to join us at the ball, you can still support my fundraising by making a donation through my Cancer Research UK Giving page at https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/shine-4-cazi-fundraising-ball-2023

“100% of all proceeds from the ball will go to Cancer Research UK.”

Mike, who has raised more than £30,000 for the charity so far, said Cazi was his inspiration.

“She was my soulmate, a truly inspirational person who always had time for everyone and lived life to the full,” he added. “She had such a wonderful smile and always adopted a very positive approach to life, never letting her illness stop her making the most of every opportunity.

“Through people’s generosity we have made a real difference, helping to bring forward the day when we beat cancer and creating a lasting legacy in Cazi’s name.”