FAMILY and friends of a woman struck down by cancer are to take part in a sponsored bed push to raise money for the hospice where she spent her final days.

June Huddlestone, 38, lost her battle with cancer at Teesside Hospice, Middlesbrough, last May.

Her three sisters, brother and friends have organised a sponsored bed push to thank staff and raise money for the hospice and for June's children.

The event is expected to raise more than £2,500 through sponsorship and a bucket collection.

Pauline Baxter, one of Mrs Huddlestone's sisters, said: "June spent her last few weeks at Teesside Hospice. It is a remarkable place and we cannot thank the hospice and its staff for the care and support they gave my sister and my family during this distressing time.

"We wanted to give something back as well as do something to help support June's children.

"By organising the bed push we hope to raise much-needed funds and increase the public awareness of the hospice in order to promote the invaluable service they offer to the local community."

About 40 people will take part in the bed push on Friday, leaving from McDonalds, in Grange Road, Middlesbrough, at noon and continuing to Wilson Street, returning to Grange Road at about 2pm.

Anyone wanting to sponsor the event can contact Teesside Hospice on (01642) 355866.