Georgina Gerrard-Cook had been planning her charity quiz night since May – and all her hard work paid off.

Cambs Times: Georgina Gerrard-Cook's quiz night for Cancer Research UKGeorgina Gerrard-Cook's quiz night for Cancer Research UK (Image: Archant)

The Cambridge School of Art student, who achieved a 2.1 in Fine Art earlier this year and graduates in October, raised a total of £1,675.71 for Cancer Research UK.

Georgina, of March, said raising money to help the fight against cancer is of personal importance to her.

She said: “I initially came up with the idea because a few people I personally know have, over the past couple of years, been diagnosed with cancer – some as young as 22.

“I was thinking, ‘god, you just don’t know what is around the corner’.

“Cancer is something that used to be whispered about and I just wanted to raise awareness and raise some money for a charity that works and is helping.”

The 22-year-old lives in March with her boyfriend, but grew up in Chatteris. She had hoped to raise £1,000.

Georgina said: “I had been planning it since May, so over the two months leading up to it I was selling raffle tickets and trying to get as many donated prizes for the raffle and auction.”

Dad, Andrew Cook, said his daughter’s was an “outstanding effort”.

He wrote on social media: “A huge well done to you and your team. Very proud of you Georgie, now aim to break the £2,000 mark with the next one! Xxx”

Her mother, Rebecca Gerrard, described the amount Georgina raised as “absolutely amazing” on her Facebook page.

Among those who donated money and gifts were Chatteris sportsmen Joe Perry, Jordan Gill and Dave ‘Boy’ Green. Georgina was also donated four tickets to Norwich City FC.

She said: “The response and support was really overwhelming.

“I never expected to raise the amount that we did.”

Having been so successful, Georgina, who begins her teacher training this year, said she is keen to continue fundraising in the future.

“With the success of this night, I would definitely like to do another one; possibly next summer.

“I work part time at the Conservative Club so I will keep it at the same venue as they gave me the hall for free and the support from all of the committee, club members and staff was really paramount to making this night what it was!”