Fundraisers had ball in memory of Hartlepool teen Ellie-Mae Morgan

Family and friends of Ellie-Mae Morgan, whose life was tragically cut short by Huntington’s Disease at the age of just 16, had a ball in her honour at a masquerade evening.

Supporters from far and wide attended the fun night organised by Ellie’s family at the Belle Vue Social Club on Friday.

It raised at least £1,500 for the national charity Phil’s Kids that helps people with the Huntington’s Disease gene to have a type of IVF treatment to prevent them passing the condition on to their children.

Ellie-Mae’s mum Sam Carter said: “Members of the Huntington’s community travelled up and the event was well attended.

“It was just a lovely night. Our aim is to raise as much as we can so someone can have a baby.

“We want to make something beautiful out of something awful.”

Ellie-Mae, who went to High Tunstall College of Science, died of Huntington’s Disease, a hereditary genetic condition, in October 2014.

She had bravely fought the condition, which damages nerves in the brain robbing her of her speech and mobility, after being diagnosed two years earlier.

Sam said Phil’s Kids could be needed by son Harry and Olivia in the future as there is a 50-50 chance they may also develop the disease.

As well as raising awareness of Huntington’s, the charity provides financial support for people with the condition to have a type of IVF treatment to help reduce the number of children born with it.

Sam said: “I think it should be available on the NHS. The amount of money it costs to look after someone with Huntington’s far outweighs the amount to have IVF to have a healthy baby which everyone should be allowed to have.”

Sam said the fundraising will continue. Husband Richard Carter raised £300 during Movember when he grew a moustache for the first time.

And a family friend is organising a charity boxing night in town in July.