A WIDOW who donated tissue from her late husband’s brain and spinal cord for research into dementia has helped raise over £1,335 for charity.

Norah Marshall, of Annfield Plain, near Stanley, has been supporting scientific study following her husband’s death last year.

Former Consett steelworker Matthew Marshall, who was 87, had from Alzheimer’s Disease and Vascular Dementia.

Before he died, the decision was taken to help other sufferers of the condition.

His tissue was donated to the Newcastle Brain Tissue Resource at Newcastle University and Mrs Marshall has collected the money from people in her community.

The 80-year-old, who has two daughters and two grandchildren, said: “It is to get a cure for dementia and Alzheimer’s. That is what they are working on.

“They are trying to get more people sign up for it. I think we should support them as much as we can. That was my reasoning for it.”

Michelle Widdrington, the autopsy liaison senior research nurse at the Newcastle Brain Tissue Resource, said the tissue would help doctors develop a better understanding of the condition.

“Norah very kindly donated her husband Matthews’ tissue for research when he died in March after having agreed to him joining a research project looking at the progress of dementia throughout a persons’ lifetime, two years ago," she added.

“She has tirelessly since Matthews’ death organised collections, raffles and cake sales, and we are most grateful for her kind generosity.”

For details on Newcastle Brain Tissue Resource visit www.nbtr.ncl.ac.uk or call 0191 248 1231 9am-5pm weekdays.