James Bond night raises cash in Chippenham cancer victim's memory (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

James Bond night raises cash in Chippenham cancer victim's memory

8:27am Tuesday 17th November 2009

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Celebrations went ahead on what would have been Daniel Chiles' 21st birthday thanks to a charity ball organised by his brother Matthew.

Daniel died in January 2007 at the age of 18 after battling a rare germ cell cancer for three months and his 24-year-old brother was determined not to let his milestone birthday go un-noticed, organising a James Bond themed ball in his honour.

The event, held at Chippenham’s West End Club on Friday evening raised more than £2,100 for Bristol Children's Hospital where Daniel was cared for.

Matthew, who recently passed a HNC in business management, said: “It was a really good night. We had limosines and casino tables, which worked a treat, and everyone was glammed up.

“It was a very memorable evening because it would have been Daniel’s 21st birthday, but there were no tears.

“I think he would have been smiling down on us thinking ‘wow, look at what you managed to achieve’.

“I will definitely be thinking about organising another event, but at the moment I am just looking forward to enjoying Christmas and the new year.

“I want to take some time out and think about what I can possibly do to top that.”

Matthew and his friends have so far raised more than £8,000 for the Daniel Chiles Star Tribute Fund, which was added to on friday with raffle prizes donated from local companies and national sports teams.

Mr Chiles, of Parkfields, Chippenham, said: “We had prizes from Bristol City Football Club, Manchester United and a few other teams so people won signed shirts and things that had been donated.

“We had everything and a lot of people went home smiling at the end of it.

“We had a great DJ and the band had everyone up on the floor - everyone was rocking out to their set.

“I think we showed that with good organisation, care and attention you can put on an amazing event like this.”

Mr Chiles has previously run the Chippenham Half Marathon, and organised a computer game marathon, raffles, a charity auction and karaoke night in memory of his brother.

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