A COUPLE have raised £2,000 for charity with a fundraising evening backed by world famous actor Michael Yorke.

Alan and Irene Nattrass, from the Blackhill, Consett area of County Durham, would like to thank people for supporting the event for a new scanner at the Royal Free Hospital in London.

Former steel fabricator Mr Nattrass, 73, was diagnosed with amyloidosis, a rare, debilitating disease caused by deposits of abnormal protein in his liver and heart, in 2007, and is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Mrs Nattrass, 68, said: “Our fundraiser for the amyloidosis appeal was unbelievable. Everyone had a great time and we raised over £2,000.”

The charity dinner, which took place earlier this month, was held at the Derwent Manor Hotel near Consett.

The Three Musketeers star Mr Yorke, now 72, who also suffers from a form of amyloidosis, wrote back to the couple after Mrs Nattrass contacted him by email.

He wished them success with their fundraising event, and offered to help if he could.

Mrs Nattrass believes that his support, and the attention they received from the media, helped draw attention to the charity dinner.

She said: “The kindness and generosity was overwhelming.”

Amyloidosis is diagnosed in up to five people in every 100,000 in the country.