A TIRELESS charity supporter, who has overcome personal setbacks, has boosted a hospice appeal.

Lil Sowerby, backed by fellow members of the ladies darts club and officials at Ushaw Moor Catholic Club, organised fashion and variety shows.

The two events, both held at the club, raised a total of £1,766 which was presented to Barbara Gilderoy, of St Cuthbert's Hospice in Durham, this week.

Lil, a former district nurse, has supported the hospice since it opened in 1988.

She overcame breast cancer after radiotherapy in 1996. Further tragedy struck when husband Brian died just four weeks after being diagnosed with lung and liver cancer.

Lil said she regarded the special fundraising events 'in his memory'.

Lil said special thanks should go to her local darts club and the Durham and District Ladies' team, club secretary Kevin McMahon, and theatrical agent Ian Symonds.