A DEVOTED fundraiser battling multiple sclerosis died just a day before she could have seen how much money her efforts had helped a North-East hospice.

Rita Willis, 63, had been determined to help the patients and the staff at St Cuthbert's Hospice, in Durham, who had looked after her as her condition worsened.

Her degenerating condition did not even prevent her from running a stall at a family fun day she had organised on Trimdon Village Green.

She also organised a charity event at Trimdon Labour Club in September, but died on the night it was held - never to see how successful her efforts had been.

This week her family, from Trimdon, presented the hospice with a cheque for £2,550, raised through the two events, plus a donation from Boots, in Peterlee, which organised a sponsored walk.

Her efforts were also supported by Trimdon Care and the Trimdon Labour Club.

Mrs Willis's husband Bob, 65, said his wife's work had been worthwhile.

"We had 38 prizes donated for the charity night, including a shirt from Niall Quinn that he wore in a testimonial game, and a shirt from Colin Cooper from Middlesbrough Football Club signed by all the team," he said.

"Rita wanted to help the hospice and she told us we had to do things to help - we didn't have a choice."

Mrs Willis, a former nursing assistant at Sedgefield's Winterton Hospital, had become a familiar face at St Cuthbert's Hospice.

She was a favourite among guests and carers, acting as a mother figure to the younger clients.

Mr Willis said he planned to continue her good work for the hospice.

"We are organising a pigeon moot in Fishburn Working Men's Club in February and the proceeds are going to the hospice," he said. "We are hoping to raise £1,000."

Michele Iles, community fundraiser for the hospice, said: "Rita was very caring and compassionate. I think everyone misses her."