AS a paediatric social worker I know the important role that CLIC Sargent plays in the lives of children and young people with cancer and because of this I would like to tell your readers about the CLIC Sargent Chocolate Ball which is held annually to raise funds for children with cancer.

I attended the event last year and found it to be a lovely, unique evening. I would encourage all those reading this to buy tickets for the event now. It was a truly magical event that raises a lot of money and awareness for such a worthwhile charity.

This year's ball, which takes place on Friday, March 24 at the Dorchester in London and which will be hosted by Lucy Alexander and Alice Beer, will have an Alice in Wonderland theme, and the champagne reception and three-course dinner will centre around a handmade, life size chocolate sculpture of the Mad Hatters tea party complete with chocolate teapot!

Tickets for the chocolate ball are priced at £175 per person, but all the money raised by the event will be used to support the 10 children and young people diagnosed by cancer or leukaemia every 48 hours in the UK, and their families.

My friends and I had such a fantastic time at last year's Ball that I just know this year's event will be truly magnificent. I particularly enjoyed meeting and chatting with the celebrities that were there especially as we were all united in our support of such a worthwhile and significant charity. It really was a night to remember and I have many fond memories of this rather glamorous and exciting evening. Oh and the goody bag was fabulous too!

I've already got my ticket for this year's event, but if you want to come too then give the CLIC Sargent events team a call on 020 8752 2868 or log onto www.clic sargent.org.uk/specialevents.htm

Michelle Fraser, Paediatric social worker, St Mary's Hospital, London