A BLACK tie ball will be held to help raise £200,000 to get a brave young woman fighting cancer alternative treatment abroad.

Monique Buckingham, from Colchester, was just 21 when she was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer.

Her family was told her prognosis was not good and she would need to start palliative care.

Brave Monique, who is now 24, underwent a total of 58 cycles of chemotherapy and reached no evidence of disease status for two years.

However, last August she received the devastating news her cancer had returned in the lining of her abdomen, pelvis and her ovaries.

Doctors found her cancer was unsuitable for surgery and she is now undergoing chemotherapy again.

Her family have launched a fundraising drive to help get her treatment abroad. They will host a black tie ball in May to help boost the funds.

The event came about after a chance meeting with Colchester events organiser Lauren Pedge.

Monique’s dad Paul said: “I was taking Lauren home in my taxi and I was talking about Monique.

“She took my phone number and the next day text me to saying she had been awake all night thinking about what she could do to help.

“She had offered her time for free and I can’t thank her enough.”

The event will take place at Marks Tey Hotel on May 30 and the family are looking for businesses to sponsor tables in exchange for a £200 donation.

There will be a three course meal, disco, raffles and auction to raise money for Monique.

Paul added: “Monique has now started a new treatment which knocks her for a while.

“She had a scan last week and it will be two or three weeks before we know the results.

“We hope the spread of the cancer has slowed.”

The family will also travel to Imperial College London later this month to meet with doctors to discuss other treatment.

To donate to the appeal, visit www.gofundme.com and search Fighting Monique’s Stage 4 Advanced Bowel Cancer. So far, more than £5,000 has been raised towards the target.

To buy tickets, priced at £45, or to sponsor the event email paul.buckingham08@gmail.com.