An inspirational cancer survivor traded presents for donations to help raise £1,000s for charity at a landmark birthday bash.

Wilmslow’s Elaine Shaw, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2012, promised to throw a big party if she made it to her 60th birthday.

And after reaching the milestone, she asked the 140 guests who joined her at a glamorous party at Manchester’s The Midland Hotel to give money to charity instead of buying her gifts.

Elaine was joined by a host of famous faces on the night – including former Dragon Theo Paphitis, racing driver Mark Blundell and Edith Conn OBE, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester – who helped raise more than £10,000.

The money will now go to Stockport’s Beechwood Cancer Care Centre, where she was treated while battling cancer. Its patrons, Chelsea Norris from Key 103’s breakfast show and goalkeeper Shay Given, also attended the event.

The mum-of-two said: “I went through surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, more surgery and treatments and I decided that if I made it through it all I wanted a big celebration that would also help Beechwood. I thought December would be a lovely time to have a Hollywood glamour party.

“It was a great night. People travelled from Bermuda, Spain, France, Majorca and all over the UK to be there so I felt very special.

“A friend told me about Beechwood and I went for eight weeks - one day a week. It was my oasis, where I met other people suffering with cancer and this was incredibly useful for me. It makes you realise that you are not the only person going through something.

“You don’t have to pretend while you are at Beechwood, the staff and volunteers are absolutely amazing. I can’t believe that the place survives on donations so I am delighted that I have raised money for the charity’s Silver Wing Appeal to help it reach its fundraising target.”

To mark Beechwood’s 25th anniversary, it set up the Silver Wing Appeal to raise £100,000 to enhance patient experience and extend facilities including a new café and charity shop.

Angela Gray, fundraising manager at Beechwood in Stockport, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Elaine chose Beechwood to support at her birthday party, her generosity and that of her friends means that they have managed to raise £10,000. I am so thrilled and can’t thank Elaine enough.”

If you would like to get involved with fundraising for Beechwood call 0161 476 0384 or e-mail fundraising@beechwoodcancercare.co.uk.