A multiple sclerosis sufferer from North Finchley has raised nearly £5,000 for charity.

Paula Sanchez, 23, who was diagnosed with the condition five months ago, gathered celebrities and cake lovers to raise money for the Multiple Scleroisis Society during an event at the Hyatt Regency Hotel last month.

The freelance events organiser, who lives in Woodgrange Avenue, and her friend Rhiannon Cobb, 24, raised £4,700 at the event, which featured a raffle, a DJ an auction and even an appearance by the cast of Thriller Live and chef Raymond Blanc.

The event was part of the MS Society’s annual Cake Break, which aims to raise £350,000 in total to spend on research, campaigning, information and support.

Ms Sanchez, who suffers from constant pins and needles, poor balance, lack of feeling in her right hand and numbness in her feet, said her diagnosis made her want to do something positive.

She said: “I didn’t know what MS was when I was first diagnosed.

"For 24 hours I was really upset but then I decided to use it as an opportunity. It’s in my nature to be a positive person. I started writing a blog and then started thinking about fundraising.

“I had to make myself be positive. I taught myself how to do my make-up again as I couldn’t feel my hands. I would set myself goals like doing a fundraiser or going to the gym. I’ve now even made a list of the things I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do if I hadn’t been diagnosed with MS.”

Ms Sanchez presented the money she raised to the MS Society earlier this month, at an event attended by Oritse Williams from JLS whose mother also has MS.

Head of individual giving at the MS Society Diana Gornall said: “Paula and Rhiannon raised an absolutely incredible amount of money for the MS Society with their Cake Break. It’s amazing that they’re now up to almost £5,000.

"We’re really grateful for all their work; this money will make a big difference and will be spent on research and vital support for people affected by MS.”