A CHARITY ball held in memory of an inspirational Cwmbran teenager has been hailed as an "amazing" success by her mother.

Around 400 people attended the sold out Remission Possible Legacy Ball, inspired by the blog started by Emily Clark, at the Celtic Manor in Newport on Saturday night.

The 18-year-old, who beat a rare form of blood cancer – Burkitt’s lymphoma – on two occasions, passed away on Saturday, March 12, following complications due to breathing difficulties.

"It was an absolutely amazing night, it completely exceeded my expectations and everybody seemed to enjoy themselves," said Donna Dunn, Miss Clark's mother.

"The feedback we’ve been getting about the room and the food has just been so positive.

"We decided against the traditional Celtic Manor banquet and went for a menu from Cen, who we’d signed a deal with to send food to Emily while she was on the ward."

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Emily Clark's mother Donna Dunn giving a speech at the Legacy Ball. Photo credit Natalie Black.

In the ensuing six months since Miss Clark's death, Ms Dunn and her fellow fundraisers have raised £54,000 for Remission Possible.

The funds are set to go towards creating a specialist purpose-built bone marrow transplant unit at the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board which treated Miss Clark.

Ms Dunn said: "We’re very grateful for the people that donate and we’re aware of what they do.

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Crowds at the Legacy Ball. Photo credit Natalie Black.

"We aim to give them the best experiences at our fundraisers so we approach them not as fundraisers, but more like glamorous nights out."

Hundreds of people of all ages took to the dancefloor to celebrate her daughter's life as Gwent's West End star Caroline Sheen took to the stage to sing songs from several famous musicals.

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Gwent's West End star Caroline Sheen sings for the packed out room. Photo credit Natalie Black.

Ms Dunn added: "She was so incredibly wonderful, and it was nice because she had starred Mary Poppins, which was the first musical Emily had seen."

Miss Sheen's Newport-born Hollywood actor cousin Michael was also on hand to give one of several tributes to Miss Clark in a video shown on the night.

Celtic Manor PR Manager Paul Williams said that the resort was "delighted" to host the ball and support "such a worthwhile cause".

He added: "Like everyone else, we have been moved and inspired by Emily's story and seeing so many people helping to raise funds for her charity at this wonderful event is a fantastic tribute to her."