Party in the planning to celebrate teacher Paul's passions

Nicola Bond with her late husband Paul Bond.

A fundraising night in memory of Paul Bond will be held at the Stadium of Light next year.

The 38-year-old from Washington was diagnosed with lung cancer in May 2013.

The ball will be hosted at the Stadium of Light.

Paul, who worked in a school in Willington, County Durham, had never smoked and doctors were unable to explain why he developed the disease.

His wife Nicola began raising funds and increasing awareness in the condition after Paul became ill and is continuing to back the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation in his name after he died in March.

She was nominated for a Best of Wearside award last year after completing a skydive and launching a social media campaign to raise awareness of the cancer following her husband’s diagnosis.

Paul, who was dad to their eight-year-old son Milo, was a devoted Sunderland fan, with the club arranging for an ex-player to attend the ball, which will be held in the New Year.

Nicola Bond with late husband Paul Bond and son Milo.

As the lead singer of his own band, The Lies, and guitarist and backing singer in Oasis tribute group Ha’waysis, there will be a big focus on music and his favourite band, while his love of the James Bond character will also play a part in the night’s theme.

Nicola, who is also a teacher, said: “We are trying to get all the things Paul really loved into the ball.

“He really lived life to the full, and I know people say that all the time, but he really did and he is a huge loss because it is so dull without him.

“The charity is the only one that is completely focused on lung cancer and there is a stigma around it because people think it’s self inflicted, so they donate to breast cancer and other cancers before this as a last choice.

“Before this happened, we were ignorant about it as well, and as much as we want to raise money, we want to raise awareness as well, because it could be anyone of us.

“There was no explanation about why Paul got lung cancer, he was fit and healthy and never smoked and the doctors were baffled by it.

“It could happen to anybody and the fact it happened to us is still a total shock.”

Nicola has praised the committee of nine people who are working to plan the ball.

She added: “My friends and Paul’s friends to come together to put it together, ringing around companies and organising everything, and I want to thank them.”

Bondy’s Ball will be held on Saturday, January 25, from 7pm.

Tickets are £35 and can be bought by contacting Nicola or Joanne Payne via Facebook.