A grieving St Albans mum hosted an "absolutely phenomenal" charity dance night at The Pioneer Club in memory of her children, who both sadly took their own lives.

Entitled 'Dance with the Dragonfly', the event took place last weekend. From 10pm to 2am, attendees enjoyed a line-up of DJs, raffles and music.

Leanda Kelly suffered the heartbreak of losing both of her children to suicide after long battles with mental illness.

Steve and Tanya both died aged 44, with Steve choosing to end his own life in July 2023, partly because he didn't want to live longer than his beloved sister.

Leanda and Steve (left) alongside Tanya.Leanda and Steve (left) alongside Tanya. (Image: Leanda Kelly) Tanya ended her life in December 2018 following a long struggle with her mental health.

"It was about celebrating my children’s lives, keeping their memory alive, it’s OK to have a smile even if you are broken," said Leanda.

The DJs, along with everyone involved in the event, gave their time for free. The Pioneer Club also provided use of the venue free of charge.

She added: "It was amazing, all eight DJs were absolutely phenomenal

"The venue ran it so well I can’t fault them - I want to thank everyone involved."

The packed dance night included boards depicting children that had been lost too soon in addition to their orders of service, one of which was for Leanda's niece, Kim.

Leanda said: "It was difficult not to cry, It's not just my children, but for other people that have lost children.

"I had people hugging me all night saying they were suffering, one girl had attempted to take her own life and told me - 'I now know people are out that care and you are one of them'."

Another attendee told Leanda "I don’t know you and I don’t know how you are still standing, I have so much respect for you and how can you carry on".

Earlier this summer, the bereaved mother raised over £13,000 with three semicolon tattoo events.

On Saturday, October 5, the club night raised over £4,000 for SANE, MIND in Mid Herts and St Albans Action for Homeless.

The event may return next year.The event may return next year. (Image: Leanda Kelly) Due to its success, the Pioneer Club have already pencilled in a date for next year with the DJs an security team happy to follow suit.

Leanda says she knows her kids would be "laughing at her" knowing she always loved a good party.