TWO youngsters who lost their mother to cancer have helped raise nearly £6,000 for two North-East hospices.

Rebecca and Harriet Ashley, aged nine and five, attended a fundraising event at Headlam Hall, near Darlington, in memory of their mother, Jane.

Mrs Ashley, 37, was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2001 and was cared for at Butterwick Hospice in Stockton.

After her death, her husband, Paul, who lives in Darlington, decided to organise a dinner dance to raise money for the hospice.

The event, attended by more than 100 people, raised £5,918. The money will be split between the Butterwick and St Teresa's Hospice, in Darlington, which is fundraising to open a full-time care unit for people such as Mrs Ashley who need care away from home.

Mr Ashley said: "The whole evening was tremendous. It was a real celebration of Jane's life.

"I am very grateful to all the businesses which supported us and everyone who attended the night.

"The care and understanding the Butterwick gave us all was amazing. I did not realise how much hospices did, or that they were entirely funded from donations.

"If the St Teresa's unit had been open, Jane would have been cared for there, so it feels right to raise money to help others in the future."

Earlier this year, Rebecca and Ashley won a competition run by The Northern Echo to meet the Queen when she visited Darlington.

Mr Ashley said: "Meeting the Queen gave the girls a much-needed boost and they still talk about it now.

"We all miss Jane so much - we are taking one day at a time and we are very grateful for all the help and support of our friends and family."