THE Bushell Theatre at Newton Abbot’s Coombeshead Academy opens its doors to a Dress Spectacular this evening in aid of Rowcroft Hospice.

The 1920s-themed event, which gets under way at 6.30pm, includes a catwalk with a selection of prom and occasional dresses, live music from Newton’s Got Talent winner Aspen and runners-up Kindred Spirit, an art and photography exhibition and a raffle.

It is being organised by Kate Ralston and 17-year-old Beth Tompkins in memory of Beth’s mum Nicola Tompkins who died in December at the young age of 45 after a short battle with cancer.

Nicola, who lived in Ipplepen with her husband Clive and Beth their youngest daughter – there are two older children – was extremely well liked and as a thank you to the care that Rowcroft provided, a group of her friends organised a charity event in Ipplepen Village Hall, on Saturday, in her memory.

It featured a charity auction in which Graham Barton from Clive Emson and BBC1’s Homes Under the Hammer, was the auctioneer.

With nearly 60 lots of superb items donated from local companies – too numerous to mention – as well as the cost of the evening being covered by businesses, the event raised an incredible £5,359.

Now with additional gift aid envelopes and collection tin monies, that amount has jumped by a further £200.

Added to the evening’s funds was £200 raised by Sarah Parnell who had been selling her homemade marmalade since January, and £155 brought in by Sylvia Newman from raffling her fruit baskets.

A particularly touching gesture was an unexpected prize for Nicola’s family – a donation by the manager of London’s Up at the O2.

While organising the event a letter was sent to Up at the O2 requesting a prize, and explaining the personal reasons behind it.

Replying the manager stated that he was sorry to hear about the passing of Nicola: ‘I’m suitably impressed by how you are turning your loss into inspiration and motivation to raise funds for charity and to pay tribute to your friend.

‘Therefore I would like to assist and donate a private expedition for you to bring up to 16 persons for an exclusive climb on a date of your choice – valued at £745.

‘The Nicola Tompkins Expedition will be a 90-minute expedition over the O2 away from the public and exclusive to your group. We’ll even throw in a free souvenir picture for each participant and a champagne toast at the summit.’

It was something that Nicola had wanted to do. Last summer she had gone to the O2 arena with her eldest son Matthew, and her sister Claire.

When she saw people walking up and over the O2 roof she decided that would be a great idea for her girls’ weekend with three of her friends in November. She booked it but sadly was too poorly to go.

Now her family can enjoy a private tour in her memory.

One of the organisers Rachael Hill thanked everyone who had contributed and supported the event.

Earlier this month, Clive ran the Rome Marathon in an impressive time of three hours 59 minutes. His Just Giving page currently stands at £2,438.55 and remains open for anyone who would like to contribute further.