THE family of Blackwood terror attack victim Trudy Jones has said they were “overwhelmed” at the turnout to the first of their fundraising events which raised over £600.

Around 200 people got to their feet and danced together to Girls Just Want to Have Fun in memory of 51-year-old mother and grandmother Trudy who died last month.

She was among the 38 people tragically killed when a gunman opened fire on tourists in a resort in Sousse, Tunisia, on Friday, June 26.

The family of the “loving, caring and popular” care home worker have now set up the Trudy Jones Trust Fund which has already raised £280 in 23 days.

At the fundraising music and entertainment evening, which was held on Tuesday, July 21, the family raised £640 for the fund.

Trudy’s niece, Cerys Mayne, said the event was “brilliant, an amazing night”.

Local singers from Blackwood and Cefn Fforest volunteered at the evening and sung Trudy’s favourite song as a tribute, All Night Long by Lionel Richie.

Ms Mayne said: “We walked in and it is so overwhelming to see how many people had turned up to support Trudy.

“Everybody stood up and we gave Trudy a round of applause.

“She loved to party and she loved to have fun so we played Girls Just Want to Have Fun because it was fitting for her and everybody, absolutely everybody got up.

“On behalf of all the family we want to say thank you for the support. It’s been overwhelming, there were people there the family knew and people there the family didn’t know.”

There were 40 prizes for the raffle which were donated by local Blackwood businesses and Ms Mayne sold specially-made charity ribbon badges for £1. The ribbons were cerise pink with diamantes and the letter T for Trudy.

It is yet unknown what the family will do with the money, although donations may be made to charities Macmillan and Velindre which are close to the heart of Trudy’s 84-year-old mother, Ruth Birchard.

The family have also organised a second event to be held on Saturday, August 29. There will be a sponsored motorbike ride from Blackwood ambulance station to Newbridge Rugby Club leaving at 12pm. The ride will be followed by a family fun day at the club including music, entertainment and a bouncy castle.

For more information, to donate or buy a ribbon, please email Cerys Mayne on Cerysldavies89@hotmail.co.uk. To donate online please visit www.gofundme.com/yw5d9gg.