ELAINE and Gerry Spoors were looking forward to beginning a new chapter in their lives when tragedy struck.

Out of the blue, Mrs Spoors, one of a County Durham community's best known and respected residents, suffered a brain aneurysm and died six days later, aged 60.

And this week, following her funeral at St Cuthbert's Church, in Peterlee, her family pledged to set up a foundation in her name to support research into the early detection of the condition.

Mr Spoors said: "It is a terrible condition that strikes without warning and effects young and old."

He said his wife had shown no symptoms and the couple had only just put their house, in the Oakerside area of the town, on the market.

"We were going to move to Leeds to be near one of our sons whose wife is expecting a baby," said Mr Spoors.

The couple married in Easington in 1965, and had two sons and a daughter.

There are now four grandchildren.

Mr Spoors, development manager for an environmental chemical company, was planning to continue working from Leeds, but his wife, who had been a dinner "nanny" at Peterlee's North Blunts Primary School, had retired at the time of the school's closure in 2003.

A governor at the school and one of the founders of its Parent Teacher's Association, Mrs Spoors had been well known by generations of children in the town.

A member of St Cuthbert's Church and a stalwart of the Peterlee Friendship Guild she was a familiar face and well-loved member of the community.

Her death has shocked her many friends and left her family struggling to come to terms with her loss.

Mr Spoors said: "During her life, Elaine helped to raise thousands of pounds for various causes. Now we are determined to raise funds in her name for this vital research work."

The couple had been preparing for a holiday in Wales next week.

St Cuthbert's Church was packed for the funeral.

Now, as her family struggle to come to terms with her death, they are seeking help to establish the Elaine Spoors Foundation.

Anyone who has suffered from the same condition, or who has medical expertise in the field, is asked to contact Mr Spoors on 07946-324224