A NIGHT of music and laughter in memory of a young man who touched hearts across the globe has raised a huge sum for a cancer charity.

A Motown and soul night at the Croes Howell bar and restaurant, Rossett in memory of former staff member Will Clark, of Marford, raised £10,143 for the Christie Hospital in Manchester.

Will, 23, who died of a lung infection in October last year, worked at the Croes Howell for a number of years and was treated at the Christie during his year long battle with leukaemia.

Around 180 people - including members of Will's family - attended the event, which also included an auction.

Croes Howell assistant manager Jemma Morris worked with Will for around three years and organised the event with his sister Victoria Marigold-Clark and friend Emma Povey.

She said: "We're speechless and a little bit shocked. We didn't realise we were going to raise this much money.

"We had a target of £5,000 and to double it was amazing.

"Myself, Emma and the family were all very stunned but absolutely made up with the fact that we raised so much money in memory of Will."

Will, of Springfield Lane in Marford, received treatment at the Christie Hospital during his cancer battle.

A keen sports fan, Will supported Newcastle United, enjoyed skiing and played at Wrexham Tennis

Centre and Gresford and Marford Tennis Club.

He worked at the Marks and Spencer Customer Sales and Service Centre in Chester for two years after leaving the Croes Howell and also spent three summers working at Phantom Lake YMCA camp in Wisconsin, where he was known affectionately as “Will from Wales”.

Will was also known for his charity work.

Hundreds of people attended the former Darland High School pupil 's funeral at Pentrebychan Crematorium.

The auction included several items, including a wine tasting experience for eight people which raised £1,000.

Will's family donated a football signed by the Manchester United squad, which fetched £800.

A signed Newcastle United shirt was given out as a "lucky dip" prize during the evening.

There was a performance from singer Akay, a raffle and a singalong of Queen hit Bohemian Rhapsody in tribute to Will.

Jemma thanked all those who attended, adding: "The only way I can describe it is that the whole of the room was just filled with love. It was amazing."

Friends and relatives of Will have already raised thousands for the Christie in his memory with the #iwill campaign.

Jemma added that she hopes the evening will become an annual event.

For more information on fundraising in Will's memory, visit www.justgiving.com/remember/499824/Will-Clark.