A WOMAN who underwent a life-saving liver transplant has held a fundraising party to say thanks.

Dorothy Lane, of Evenwood, had her operation two years ago after suffering from primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a long-term liver disease.

Mrs Lane has suffered from the condition since she was 46 and said she was thankful to have the transplant after three previous opportunities fell through at the last minute.

The 69-year-old was looked after by the team at the Freeman Hospital, which has close links with LIVErNORTH, a North-East charity dedicated to raising funds to help those with liver-related conditions.

And Mrs Lane, along with her daughter Eileen Middleton and other family members, raised £1,600 for the charity with an entertainment night at the GlaxoSmithKline Sports and Social Club, in Barnard Castle, on October 15.

The night included a pie and pea supper, bingo and entertainment from local band Oily Bum Print and Elvis Presley tribute act, Elvis Nixon while one brave man, Mark Wilson, had his beard shaved off.

It is the second time the family have held the fundraiser and last year donated £1,100 to the charity.

“The staff at the Freeman are wonderful - I have not got enough praise for them,” Mrs Lane said. "I just wanted to give a little mention to my daughter Eileen because she's been brilliant organising everything."