A summer ball has been organised by an NHS worker in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) in memory of her uncle, who was claimed by the disease.

Daisy Cosker, Senior Physiotherapist at St Georges Hospital, organised the event at Wimbledon Rugby Club this Saturday with the help of her friends Charlotte Massey, Vicky Rogers, Jessica Grunsell and Emma Rogers, in memory of Max Kingsland.

Her partner, Steve Garvey, is club physio.

Mr Kingsland, 71, of West Byfleet in Surrey died in February, less than two years after the condition was diagnosed.

Miss Cosker, of Garratt Lane, Wandsworth, said: "The statistics show that most people with it die within two years. It feels strange to say but I was kind of lucky to have him for so long."

The 26-year-old who said she was like an adopted child to Mr Kingsland and her aunt Sheila, is aiming to raise £25,000 for MNDA by the time she is 30.

She has already collected £11,000 by running a half marathon, hosting a quiz and auction, swimming the Solent and hosting a comedy night.

The ball will include a three course meal, live entertainment and a raffle with prizes such as dinner for two at the Powder Keg, Battersea, a two night stay in Cornwall and a signed Wasps Rugby jersey.

MND is a progressive disease that attacks the motor neurones in the brain and spinal cord. This means that messages can’t reach the muscles, leaving people unable to walk, talk or feed themselves.

It is unknown what causes MND and there is currently no cure. In the UK, approximately 5,000 people have the disease and it kills five people everyday.

Miss Cosker said: “I hope the event will raise awareness on the issue and the charity."