Julie Hancock has organised the Flockton Road Macmillan Walk most years since 1992, the year after her mother died from the disease.

But to mark her milestone birthday - and as a change to her usual fundraising challenge - she organised the Hawaii 5-0 luau night at The Everest pub in Ballifield, Handsworth.

Guests were invited to dress up in tropical gear and dance the night away to Hawaiian tunes, with the aim of raising enough money on the night to take the total collected over the years to the £10,000 mark.

And the big-hearted birthday girl, of Flockton Road, Handsworth, even asked for donations to the charity in lieu of presents.

She said the night had been a great success.

"It was an idea I'd had for a while," she said. "In the end about 130 people came, which was great.

"Some of the best-dressed Hawaiian girls were the men in their coconut bras and grass skirts! We had a great time and, although I've not added up the total raised yet, I'm sure we reached the £10,000 mark.

"Every family there had lost at least one member of the family to cancer - nobody is far from it, which is why the fundraising is so important."

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