A NORTH Yorkshire mother has raised thousands of pounds in memory of her “beautiful” cousin who died at the age of 19 from cystic fibrosis.

Ella Salter, of Whitby, died from the condition at Martin House Hospice Care for Children and Young People in October last year.

Now her cousin, Lorraine Clarkson, 35, also from Whitby, has raised the cash for Martin House by holding an evening of entertainment at Whitby Fishermen’s Society.

Lorraine said: “Ella was such a beautiful girl, so happy even though she was born with this horrible disease.

“She lost her dad two years ago when he died suddenly, and since then she went downhill. Before that she had always been quite well and had beaten the milestones for someone with the condition."

Martin House, at Boston Spa near Wetherby, had been supporting Ella for the last two years.

Mum-of-three Lorraine added: “When Ella was at Martin House I used to come to visit with my kids and I decided I had to do some fundraising because they are absolutely fantastic there, they go far and beyond to meet your needs. It’s just a beautiful place.

“When the time came, she wanted to come to Martin House. I visited her there and we just held hands for an hour and talked.

"It’s so hard, because I feel she hasn’t had the chance to live her life.”

Lorraine held a pie and pea supper at the Fishermen’s Society – which donated the venue free of charge – with entertainment from local band Bone Fish, and she organised a raffle by asking local businesses for prizes.

One jeweller also made a custom silver and amber butterfly necklace – the butterfly is the symbol of the children’s hospice movement – which was auctioned off, raising £100.

The evening itself raised £2,215.10, but an anonymous donor rounded the total to £3,500.

Lorraine said: “It was a brilliant night, and I just wish Ella could have been there. I’d like to thank everyone who came, and everyone who donated prizes and supported me with it.”

Martin House provides care and support to children and young people with life-limiting conditions from West, North and East Yorkshire – and their families – at its hospice, in hospitals and in their own homes.

Alison Wragg, community fundraiser, said: “Lorraine has paid an amazing tribute to Ella, to organise and hold this event in her memory.

"Martin House is a place where families can come to make happy memories together, and I am so glad Lorraine and her family can share memories of Ella from the times she spent at Martin House.”

To find out more about Martin House and how to support it, visit; martinhouse.org.uk.