A CELEBRATION of the life of a Worcester woman raised thousands of pounds for charity in her memory.

Karen Edwards, from Barbourne, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1983, at the age of 33 and then again in 2006.

After completing her treatment, Ms Edwards formed a local branch of Breakthrough Breast Cancer support charity, but she died in January this year at the age of 63.

Ms Edwards' friends and family got together with Pink Ribbon Exercise Worcester, who provide pilates classes to help with breast cancer rehabilitation, to host a 1970s and ABBA themed charity event at Sixways Stadium in Worcester.

People dressed up and danced and a quiz and silent raffle also helped to raise £4,200 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Rachel Orme, who set up the Pink Ribbon classes with Debbie Yeomans, said that Ms Edwards had been part of the inspiration behind her starting the classes.

"Over the years I worked with Karen she was always just so kind and caring. She helped and supported so many people but it was always very subtle. She was passionate about her work and she really worked so hard to help other people," she said.

"She had a fantastic sense of humour and was always positive about everything. Karen really liked ABBA and had previously held an ABBA themed charity night. This night we raised more than ever and it's just a shame that Karen wasn't here to see it."