A BUSKERS night has raised more than £1,300 in memory of a charity worker who died last year.

The event was held at The Demi in Consett in memory of 35-year-old Lee Robson.

The former soldier lost his second battle with leukaemia and the money raised will go towards a grant in his name from the blood cancer charity, Bright Red.

The evening, last month, was organised by his friend, Laura Walley, who worked with Mr Robson at Consett YMCA, where he was the outdoor activities co-ordinator.

His father, Billy Robson, Consett YMCA’s chief executive, said: “When Lee was alive he was all for improving the care patients receive.

"He saw first hand what it was like. He was an ambassador for Bright Red and fought for the patients, which is why they have set up an award in his name.”

On Friday, Mr Robson is starting a 140 mile coast to coast bike ride, from Silloth to South Shields, along with a relative, Ashley Winter, and some former soldiers.

They hope to finish on the North-East coast on Sunday and some of the money raised will also go to Bright Red.

Mr Robson said: “It is helping to keep Lee’s memory alive.”