diff --git a/src/clear_bookings.py b/src/clear_bookings.py
index 9019f36..6422838 100644
--- a/src/clear_bookings.py
+++ b/src/clear_bookings.py
@@ -158,6 +158,14 @@ class DavEvent:
         self.is_deleted = True
         self.obj.delete()
 
+    def cancel(self):
+        """
+        Cancel the event.
+        :return:
+        """
+        self.obj.icalendar_component["status"] = "CANCELLED"
+        self.obj.save(no_create=True)
+
     def serialize(self) -> dict[str, str | datetime | timedelta]:
         """
         Serialize the event to a dictionary.
@@ -314,8 +322,7 @@ def clear(target_calendars: list, is_test: bool=False) -> dict:
                 # we need to cancel it now
                 elif not event.is_cancelled:
                     if not is_test:
-                        event.obj.icalendar_component["status"] = "CANCELLED"
-                        event.obj.save()
+                        event.cancel()
                     is_cancelled = True
                     result["cancellation_type"] = "cancelled"
                     results["cancelled_overlapping_recurring_events"].append(result)