A FUNDRAISING fun day in memory of a popular shopping centre worker has raised about £1,000 for a North-East charity.

Russell Longstaff, who was a service yard supervisor at the Cornmill centre, in Darlington, died last week after a battle with cancer.

His colleague, Tracy Sherlock, a cleaner at the centre, organised a fundraiser at the town’s Central Club, on Saturday (May 25) afternoon, to raise funds for St Teresa’s Hospice.

About 50 children attended, along with their parents, and enjoyed a fancy dress competition, disco and entertainment.

Mrs Sherlock, who worked with Mr Longstaff for seven years, said: “It was a brilliant event and everyone who came along really enjoyed it.

“We raised £930, but still have a collection bucket to count, which I will do when I go back to work, so I am hoping to get at least £1,000.

“Russell was a really lovely man, helpful and everyone knew him, staff and customers will really miss him.”

As a continued supporter of St Teresa’s Hospice, the Cornmill team has embarked on a series of fundraising initiatives for the charity which provides Hospice at Home, day therapy, in-patient care and family support services to people across South Durham and North Yorkshire.