THE family of a woman who was a "mum" to more than 50 people and a friend to hundreds more, has started a charity crusade in her memory.

Sylvia Hubbard, of Newton Aycliffe, died in June, only two weeks after being diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas and liver.

Originally from London, she moved to Newton Aycliffe in the Sixties. She and her husband, Derrick, met when they were evacuated to Sunderland, during the Second World War.

The couple have three children of their own and fostered 51 children, many of whom still live near the town and think of her as "mum".

She was also well known in the community, particularly through the Southerne Social Club.

She supported club activities along with her husband, who was a committee member for 15 years, including a spell as chairman.

After her death, Mr Hubbard and his family decided to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support in her memory.

He said: "I've always been a busy person, most recently I was a full-time carer for Sylvia, who developed multiple sclerosis after a stroke in 2000.

"I wanted something positive to focus on and fill my time, and we all want to raise money for charity that helps families like ours and so many more."

On Saturday, what would have been Mrs Hubbard's 64th birthday, the family will host a charity night at the Southerne Social Club, inHawkshead Place.

The family are already planning more fundraisers.

Mr Hubbard said: "This is my tribute, we were married for 46 years. She was taken from us early, so we keep her name alive.