A CHARITY event to raise funds for a Trowbridge woman who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer is being held in Westbury later this month.

Charlotte Garland is the eldest sister of local man Ben Garland who has been missing since being swept out to sea in Ibiza on January 21.

Fundraising organisers Leah Sweeney and Kayleigh Sweeney said: “While Ben remains missing and his family continue to mourn him deeply, there is more devastating news in that 37-year-old Charlotte has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

“Our thoughts and hearts continue to be with the Garland family during these extremely difficult times.”

Charlotte is the eldest of Debbie Hennessey and Mark Garland's four children. They also have a daughter Leanne, 34, and a younger son, Jake, 23.

Their eldest son, Ben, has been missing for six months in Ibiza after being swept away while video filming waves on rocks close to the shore after Storm Gloria.

As Charlotte continues to receive cancer treatment in Northwick Park Hospital in London hospital which is designed to ensure her short-term future is as comfortable as can be the Garland family in Trowbridge continue to pray that her brother will be found.

Miss Garland has not given up the hope that she will be able to fulfil as many of her children’s wishes, dreams and hopes as possible, providing them with memories that can be cherished as they grow.

Members of the Trowbridge community who know the Garland family have been urged to pull together and support the charity fundraiser for Miss Garland.

Proceeds will be donated to Charlotte’s family so that they can make her final wishes come true. Any money left will be put towards Charlotte’s funeral.

Mr Garland and Jake flew out to Ibiza in July with some of Ben’s friends to mark what would have been Ben’s 25th birthday.

While Ben's jacket, identification papers and wristwatch have been found, Spanish police and coastguard authorities have been unable to find his body.

The charity fundraising event is being staged at The Players Club in Quartermaster Road, Westbury, on Saturday, August 29, from 7.30pm. There will be a raffle, games and a charity auction.

Supporters have raised £1,288 so far towards their £5,000 target. To donate, go to https://gf.me/u/yg3j48.