FAMILY and friends have marked the second anniversary of a mother’s death by raising £12,000 for two charities.

Tracey Brew, a health visitor of East Boldon, South Tyneside, died from kidney cancer at the age of 47 in 2014.

Her husband, Simon, two children, Chris and Steph, and a group of her closest friends worked together throughout last year to raise funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and St Benedict’s Hospice.

The fundraising events and activities – cycle rides, coffee mornings, Great North Runs, hikes and more - all came under the poignant banner, Wish You Were Here, and culminated with a celebration party at the Roker Hotel - an event that was so successful that it will be repeated next January.

Simon Brew, Tracey’s husband, says: “The support and generosity shown by everyone at our Wish You Were Here charity events has been incredible.

“Tracey passed away in St Benedict’s Hospice in Sunderland and their support and care was vital to us at that time. She also undertook a clinical drug trial with help from the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation that extended her life by several years, and that’s why we chose our two charities.

“My wife was an amazing person. Tracey was loving, kind, thoughtful and beautiful in every sense of the word.

Activities including a sponsored cycle ride down the Caledonian Way, a climb to the top of Ben Nevis and a Great North Run. The party to celebrate Tracey’s memory raised a magnificent £7,330 on the night.

The star prize was return flights to New York from Newcastle donated by British Airways, donated by Simon’s employer, British Airways.

Sunderland AFC also supported the auction by donating match day hospitality, which raised £300.

Sir Bobby launched his charity in 2008 and it has gone on to raise over £10 million to find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer. St Benedict’s Hospice and Centre for Specialist Palliative Care has been providing care and support services since 1984.