STUDENT Daniel Cavender is hoping people will dress to impress at the Black and White charity ball he is organising.

Last year, Mr Cavender, 40, from Marlborough, completed a demanding cycle journey from Rome to Great Western Hospital in Swindon, raising money for a new radiotherapy unit for the hospital.

The event, which is hoping to raise thousands of pounds for Great Western Hospital, will include a disco, live music and a silent auction next month.

Mr Cavender said: “The cycle was great, I raised £2,000 in gift aid and covered 1,800 miles. I cycled up the length of the Alps, camped across the route, and met so many people from Europe. It was an interesting and tough challenge.

“I received a lot of sponsorship from local businesses and members of the public. We were set to do a sports auction dinner last September, but unfortunately it clashed with when I was set to continue my degree, so me and everyone at Great Western Hospital decided to postpone it.

“Postponing it gave everyone more time, it gave Brighter Futures more time to raise as much as possible towards this good cause.The reason I chose the hospital was because I used to volunteer there and my mother was diagnosed with a breathing condition and I lost an aunt. The care that these people offer is just fantastic.

“The Black and White Ball will be the chance to auction off these prizes as well as raise some more money towards the target for the hospital. It will take place on October 17 and I want to encourage as many people as possible to come along.”

The event will take place at Swindon village hall, Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, from 6.45pm. Tickets cost £45 and are available by calling (01793) 605631.

Among the prizes in the auction are a mountain bike, clay pigeon shooting and a hotel getaway. More information on the ball and how to get tickets is available at http://www.gwhcyclechallenge.org