Sally Georgeson, who died in March, aged 46
Committee members Ray Harding, Adam Woolley, Hilary Donelly, Kate Dalzell and Sally's husband Mike Georgeson
Sally's friends and family wait to board the boat
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SCHOOLFRIENDS have reunited almost 30 years after they left school to raise money for cancer research in memory of a former classmate.
Sally Georgeson, nee Mason, from Vicars Cross, died in March aged 46 after a long and brave battle with cancer, leaving behind husband Mike and son Jonny.
After learning of her death, former schoolmates from Christleton High School, where Sally was a pupil between 1977 and 1984, decided to reunite to raise funds for her favourite charity, Clatterbridge Cancer Research.
Eighty friends came from as far away as America to board the Lady Diana riverboat for a cruise down the River Dee.
Sally’s close friend and committee member Kate Dalzell said: “Sally was a popular figure at school and is sadly missed by all of us.
“Many people wanted to do something in her memory and also to assist in the fight against cancer. The disco cruise on the Lady Diana seemed to fit the bill perfectly.
“It was great fun and was wonderful to bring many old Christletonians back to Chester for the occasion. Sally would have loved it.”
The cruise raised £1,423 for the charity and everyone was asked to wear turquoise in memory of Sally as it was her favourite colour.
Sally’s husband Mike said: “Sally would have been amazed and overwhelmed by the number of people that supported her legacy and this great cause on that evening.
“The evening was a huge success and everyone can be so proud that so much money was raised.
“I thank everyone so much for showing how much Sally meant to them and hopefully the money raised will help find a cure for this very cruel disease.”
Committee member Cath Steward Smith thanked Chester Boats and local businesses for supporting the cruise and raffle.
She said: “Everyone was so generous, it was totally amazing.
“We were also thrilled to be given a print by the contemporary artist Richard Woods, also a former Christleton High School pupil, who joined us on the night.
“When that is sold the total we are giving to Clatterbridge will be boosted even further.”
A spokesperson from Clatterbridge Hospital said: “We are so grateful for the incredible amount raised by the organising committee for the disco boat party.
“It is events like this that not only celebrates the life of a special person, but also leaves a legacy in their name to ensure that this terrible disease will one day be beaten.
“We are humbled that people put their faith in us to be the stepping stone towards understanding cancer.”