A NORTH Durham mother of two set herself the target of raising £500 for charity in a sponsored parachute jump shortly after she recovered from cancer.

But Elizabeth Hopper, 47, of Shotley Bridge, ended up being overwhelmed by the generosity of people in the area when she raised more than £1,800 for Willow Burn Hospice, in Lanchester.

The money will go towards helping make life more comfortable for patients.

"We are very proud of her as you would expect," said Mrs Hopper's husband Peter.

"It took some doing and we are just glad it has done a bit of good.

"We would really like to thank everyone who has donated and helped us.

"The response from everyone has really been something else.