THE memory of one of the two women who died in the Dreamspace disaster in July will be kept alive through a fund to help children, it was revealed yesterday.

National charity Steps will launch the Claire Furmedge Equipment Fund, to award grants to help families of children with lower-limb problems.

Mrs Furmedge, a long-time supporter of the charity, was inside the inflatable artwork in Riverside Park, Chester-le-Street, with her two daughters when it broke free from its moorings.

The 38-year-old radiographer had taken her children to play in the park's paddling pool, but was viewing the inside of the artwork when disaster struck.

Her children, aged eight and six, were thrown free and escaped with cuts and bruises, but their mother suffered fatal injuries.

Lancashire-born Mrs Fur-medge, from Graythwaite, Chester-le-Street, was a regular fundraiser for the charity for more than seven years after she came into contact with Steps when eldest daughter Jessica was diagnosed with a hip problem as a baby.

Her husband, Gary, 38, said: "When our daughter was diagnosed with a hip problem, Steps helped us with information and support during a very difficult and emotional time.

"I know Claire would have liked the idea of a fund which could help families like ours.

"She was so full of life and loved helping others. She would be honoured to have it named after her."

The fund will provide grants of up to £100 to help with up to half the cost of specialist equipment, such as a car seat, for parents caring for children with a lower-limb conditions.

Sue Banton, the charity's director and founder, said: "We have the deepest sympathy for Gary and his two children.

"Claire was such a wonderful supporter of Steps.

"We hope this fund will help carry on the generous spirit and memory of Claire and help many other families like hers and Gary's.