THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised to help send a young mother to the US for urgent medical treatment.

Supporters of Ann Teasdale have been amazed by the response to their appeal from the community, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

Mrs Teasdale, who has three grown-up children and a two-year-old daughter, had a leg amputated after contracting the rare condition reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome.

Now it has spread and she faces losing her other leg unless supporters can raise £20,000 to send her to Texas for specialist treatment.

Recent fundraising events have included an evening at the Big Club, in Newton Aycliffe, which made £1,600.

A signed Darlington Football Club shirt auctioned on the night by Mrs Teasdale's daughter Louise Fawcett fetched £115.

Fundraiser Bill Blenkinsopp said: "A big thank you is due to the committee at the Big Club. Louise did really well as an auctioneer."

A raffle for VIP tickets to Darlington's match against Hartlepool last weekend, drawn by Mrs Teasdale, and local band The Shining at the Oak Tree pub, in Aycliffe, raised £242.

A sponsored walk, organised by Enid Paylor, has raised £1,200, with more money to come in.

The Royal British Legion Club, in Newton Aycliffe, has donated £1,000 and is hold- ing a fundraising evening with local band IQ, on March 20.

The next event is a 60s and 70s night at the North Briton pub, in Aycliffe Village tomorrow night, from 7.30pm.

Information about all events is available from Mr Blenkinsopp on (01325) 308057, or Ms Fawcett on (01325) 321388.