A CHARITY night held in memory of a popular hairdresser is set to raise up to £16,000.

David Long, a stylist at Strangeways, in Leigh, died of a brain tumour at the age of 41.

Southend comedian Russell Kane was among more than 200 people gathered at the Boatyard, in Leigh, to celebrate Mr Long’s life and raise money for three charities which helped him.

J’s Hospice, in Chelmsford, which helped to look after Mr Long, and the Willow Foundation and the David Randall Foundation, which helped to fulfil his last wishes, are set to benefit from the event.

David Condon, 42, from Southend, organised the event to remember his close friend.

He said: “We had a full house of 220 people, including Russell Kane.

“We raised £10,000 on the night, which included an auction and a raffle. We are still totting up all the money which has come in since, but we think we are looking at £16,000.

“I organised it on my own and I’ve never done anything like it before.

But it was awesome and I want to thank everyone who came along. It was a fantastic evening.”

Mr Condon added he wanted to raise money for the charities which helped David.

He said: “J’s Hospice gave such a lot of support to him and his wife Lucy.

“They help people aged from 17 to 40 and it’s the only one of its kind in the country.

“The other two charities helped him with his bucket list, including getting to sit in the West Ham director’s box.

“It was horrible what happened to David. He was a great friend and just a lovely, lovely man.”