FAMILY, friends and colleagues of a woman who died of cancer have raised more than £3,000 for the charity that supported her.

Susan Gowland, 55, a Community Investment Manager at Derwentside Homes, was referredto local charity Lifespan, which provides services including complementary therapies to patients in their own homes.

Her husband Graham, who is Derwentside Homes’ head of building services, said the sessions made a huge difference to her well-being in the last months of her life.

Mr Gowland said: “The chemotherapy treatment Susan was undergoing was very intense and left her feeling incredibly drained.

"The visits from the Lifespan therapist Linden were something she really looked forward to - it was something relaxing and positive in amongst all the other things that were going on at the time.

“We were so grateful for their support and really wanted to do something to thank them so decided to organise a fundraising night.

"Lots of Susan’s colleagues at Derwentside Homes got involved as well as local business and it was a fantastic way to celebrate her life and raise much needed funds for Lifespan at the same time.”

The event took place at the Tanfield Lea Workingmen’s Club, near Stanley, and featured sponsored horse races, a singer, a buffet and a raffle with prizes such as football shirts and tickets, a holiday to the Lake District and a driving experience.

In total £3,100 was raised for Lifespan and its work.

Chair of the trustees David Grey said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to Graham and his family and colleagues who worked very hard to raise this incredible amount of money - it will make a big difference.”