EMOTIONS ran high when the legacy of a caring and kind-hearted mum, who died four weeks after giving birth to her first child, was celebrated during a touching tribute ball in her memory.

The heart-broken best friend of Becci Dadswell wasted no time in making sure she pulled out all the stops for a 'popular woman who was loved by everyone she met'.

Becci Dadswell, who worked as a police officer in Warrington, died on January 5, 2015, from a rare form of cancer called Choriocarcinoma, which had developed quickly following the birth of daughter Bella just weeks earlier.

The 35-year-old had been rushed to hospital struggling with pains in her body but died two-and-a-half hours later.

Her close friend Laura Smith, who met Becci nine years ago during her first couple of days at Cheshire Police, raised almost £10,000 during the fundraiser at the Park Royal Hotel on May 20.

She said: "Highlight for me was announcing to everyone how much we had raised as my target was only £5,000.

"The room was electric with the atmosphere and it was lovely to be able to tell everyone how much their generosity had made for Cancer Research UK and Bella."

A total of 240 guests put on their dancing shoes to attend the night along with Becci's husband Simon and one-year-old daughter Bella.

Laura added: "The event was a fantastic evening with a great atmosphere - just as Becci would have wanted.

"The dance floor was full from the moment our band Indigo began playing well into the night until the early hours.

"I know that Becci would have been very proud of everyone attending the evening.

"It was a testament to how loved she was. I was so moved by the entire evening.

"Everyone made such an effort. The gents looked very handsome and the ladies looked absolutely beautiful."

While Laura had also been campaigning to secure a performance from Take That singer Gary Barlow, his no-show certainly didn't dampen the spirits of those who attended ad they paid tribute to Becci.

"I don’t think there would have been room for Gary Barlow if he had turned up," she added.

"It’s a night I will never forget. Just like our special girl Becci. 

"It was worth all the hard work to celebrate the amazing person she was.

To donate to Bella’s memorial fund visit gogetfunding.com/becci-dadswell.