A SPECIAL evening in memory of a fallen firefighter will be held at the Albert Halls next month.

Graham Hughes died in March, 2003, aged 53, following a heart attack after tackling a blaze started by arsonists.

His daughter, Emma, has organised a fundraising Las Vegas dinner dance in his memory in support of the Fire Fighters Charity.

The annual fundraiser takes on an extra poignancy following the death of Stephen Hunt, who died, aged 38, from injuries suffered while tackling a blaze in Manchester last year.

Miss Hughes, who lives in Bolton, said: “The tragic loss of Stephen Hunt takes you back to the sadness you feel when it happens to you.

“It reinforces why I do what I do to raise money for the charity. Every penny we donate makes a difference.”

The event will open with a red carpet drinks reception, and there will be showgirls to escort guests to the casino where they can try their luck with the fun money they will be given on the roulette tables or black jack.

There will be entertainment before an American-themed dinner is served. There will also be a silent auction.

Miss Hughes said: “It becomes harder to ask people to donate prizes and time, to call in favours and sell tickets. But the sense that something positive has to come out of such a great loss keeps me going.

“I couldn't do such a successful event without all of the help I get from family, friends and strangers.”

The event is on Saturday, June 7, 7.30pm to 1.30am. For tickets, £35, or to donate prizes, call 07931 729199.

She will appear at Manchester Youth Court on June 2 to face a charge of arson — reckless as to whether life endangered — under section 1 subsection 2 of the Criminal Damage Act 1971.