A family whose son held a charity ball before he died decided "the show must go on" and have now doubled his original target.

Angela and Paul Cooper, who own Fastsigns in Enfield, and their daughter, Rebecca, have managed to raise £20,000 in honour of much-loved Simon.

The 33-year-old died at the North London Hospice in July last year, having battled cystic fibrosis for all of his life and later, lung cancer.

He managed to raise £10,000 through a ball called 'Simon Says Let's Party' which was donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support and the hospice - but spurred on by his memory, his family decided to do more.

Mum Angela said: "Simon achieved so much in his life and we are immensely proud of the legacy he leaves. The event was held just as Simon would have wanted and in true Simon Cooper style. The incredible amount raised is a testament to how many people he inspired and the fantastic support of our family, friends and colleagues.

“We have a lot of charity activity planned to carry on his work including supper quizzes, ladies lunches and sponsored walks, as well as the creation of a foundation in Simon’s name to continue his goal of helping others.”

A designer at the signage franchise centre and keen musician, Simon played drums with the inclusive theatre company Chickenshed for many years as well as with Chas Hodges form Chas ‘n’ Dave and in the Status Quo tribute band ‘Quoincidence’.

Throughout his life, Simon worked tirelessly to raise money to help others suffering from similar conditions.

He received a liver transplant in 1999 and double lung transplant in 2012 and was also an NHS Transplant Ambassador.

The month before he died, he married the love of his life, Claire Cooper, at the hospice after a party was organised with the help of friends, family and the hospice with just 24 hours notice.