STAFF at a Chester-le-Street surgery will be taking part in a sponsored row next week in memory of a former GP who died of cancer.

About 30 people at Bridge End Surgery - including GPs, receptionists, cleaners, nurses and clerical staff - will take turns on a rowing machine in the surgery during a 12-hour effort on Wednesday (November 11).

The event is being held on what would have been the birthday of Dr Alexandra Duke who died in June aged 64.

Proceeds will go to St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham where the respected doctor, who had recently retired, was cared for.

Staff are hoping that patients and well-wishers will call in between 7am to 7pm to give participants their support and donate money.

Receptionist Marilyn Slavin said: "We are doing it throughout the day in ten minute slots and we can do as many as we like.

"The idea is that there will always be someone using the machine during the 12 hours and the ones that feel they can do more will keep on doing it.

"We’ll have buckets in reception for people to leave money and everyone in reception will have sponsor forms.’’ Anyone who wants to contact the surgery, which is in Picktree Lane, to give sponsorship can do so in person or call on 0191-388 3236.