AN appeal which aims to raise £20,000 for a woman with a crippling disease has received its largest single donation to date.

Organisers of the Ann Teasdale Appeal have received a cheque for £2,500 which will be used to help send her to the US for specialist treatment.

Mrs Teasdale, 42, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has the rare condition reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome.

She has already had to have one leg amputated and could lose the other unless she can raise enough money to be treated by an expert in Texas.

A charitable section of golfers, mostly from Woodham Golf Club, was so touched by her plight they decided to donate £2,500 to the appeal.

The group originally formed 14 years ago to raise money for local causes.

Previous beneficiaries have included the Lee Anthony Maddison Appeal, Woodham Special Needs School and Warwick Road School.

The group's main method of raising money is a golf competition in June, for teams of four. Anyone interested should contact David Little on (01325) 315977.

Meanwhile, several fundraising activities have been arranged to raise money for Mrs Teasdale's treatment.

These include a night at the Sunderland greyhound stadium, courtesy of J&C Coaches, on February 19. For information, call (01325) 312750.

Afundraising night will be held at Newton Aycliffe Big Club, and a Sixties and Seventies night at the North Briton pub, in Aycliffe Village.

Peter Corey is to complete a sponsored swim at Aycliffe Recreation Centre and Enid Paylor is organising a sponsored walk.

Newton Aycliffe TA Centre is having a sponsored row and Aycliffe and District Bus Preservation Society is to run a mystery tour.

For information on any of the activities, call Bill Blenkinsopp on (01325) 308057 or Louise Fawcett on (01325) 321388.