A LARGE pink teddy bear is making its way through the North-East as part of a fundraising event.

The Gaynor Bear is named after the late Gaynor Fear, a member of a nationwide group of family history researchers.

Gaynor, who lived in the South of England until her recent death from cancer was a fan of the Genes Reunited website.

News of her death led to the setting up of "The Gaynor Bear Relay" to honour her memory and the establishment of The Pink Fund that raises money for Cancer Research UK.

Since the relay was launched on April 23, at Tynemouth, the pink bear has been passed to supporters in Newcastle, Washington, Peterlee, Darlington, Marske and Whitby on its journey south.

Eventually, the bear is due to complete a circuit of Britain.

Ann Timmins, 63, from Darlington, was the bear "host" in South Durham.

"We thought it would be nice to take Gaynor Bear to Darlington Memorial Hospital so she could have her hearing checked out," said Mrs Timmins, who is married with three grown-up sons.

Staff in the audiology department at the Darlington hospital were happy to oblige, knowing that the relay is helping raise funds to combat cancer.

Since it was set up in September last year, the Pink Fund for Cancer Research UK has raised more than £10,000 through auctions, parties, raffles and genealogy meetings.

Gaynor Fear's friends from Genes Reunited named a star after her, in March. The star, which is now officially known as Gaynor Shines, can be found in the constellation Canis Major.

"It is a wonderful way to remember Gaynor and raise money for a good cause," said Mrs Timmins.

* For more information visit website http://groups.msn.com/PinksPages