A FUNDRAISER in memory of a true family man has been hailed as a fantastic success.

The Doing it for Dan Country and Western themed fundraising day at Weymouth Pavilion featured a family fun day and evening Hoedown event to raise funds for the Support Dogs charity.

The event was held in memory of Dan Dench, who died from SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy) in March 2013 at the age of just 35, leaving behind a wife and two young daughters.

His family had already raised more than £36,000 for Epilepsy Action, SUDEP Action and Support Dogs in his memory and the latest event brought in a further £5,403.

Mum Sally thanked all those who turned out to support the event and help raise funds in Dan's memory.

She said: "We had huge support from the local community at our daytime event, they thoroughly enjoyed all the very talented performances by the local dance and singer groups and the rodeo bull, shoot out and panning for gold were a great success.

"The most popular guests though were Dana, a Support Dogs disability assistance dog and puppy in training Monty "We were delighted they could join us on the day especially as they had travelled from Chard to visit us."

Support Dogs trains physical disability assistance dogs, children with autism assistance dogs and seizure Alert Dogs.

The evening event was a complete sell out, with the entertainment including line dancing, a Dolly Parton tribute act and performances from Jolly Boys Outing and the Stereoironics.

Sally said: "We are delighted to say £5,403 was raised for the Support Dogs charity.

"The Dench family would like to simply say thank you very much to everyone who helped us raise this amazing amount, as always we can only do these events with the help, kindness and generosity of many many people."

For more information about the work of the Support Dogs charity visit supportdogs.org.uk