THE grieving family of a mother-of-three who died on a 50th birthday trip abroad paid tribute to her as they marched with family and friends to raise funds to bring her body home.

Jonathan Hubery, 32, and brothers Michael Hubery, 28, and Dylan Curtis, 22, proudly held a memorial banner to the much-loved mother and grandmother as they walked from Bishop Auckland to their home in West Auckland.

It was organised by family friends to raise money to cover the cost of repatriating the body of Donna Proudfoot, who died following a brain bleed in Benidorm last week – just a day after turning 50.

Jonathan, who flew over to Spain with his siblings after Mrs Proudfoot's admission to hospital, said: "She was all about the community. She was uplifting, always made everyone smile and would help anybody.

"She organised Halloween parties for the children, Christmas events and sometimes parties at Easter.

"Everyone got along with her. Before her holiday, instead of birthday presents she asked if people would like to donate to Stand up to Cancer, because my Nana had just had the all clear.

"Though we haven't organised (the walk) it's our duty to be here."

Mrs Proudfoot, who over the years has worked at West Auckland Working Men's Club, as a carer, and at the village's Spar shop, flew out to Benidorm two weeks ago to begin her birthday celebrations with husband John Proudfoot, who she wed in July.

Without any explanation, on Thursday, November 16, she fell ill in the night and was rushed to hospital.

Having suffered a brain bleed, she was put into an induced coma and the following day her sons flew out to be at her side.

However, on Wednesday, November 22, she lost her fight for life.

Travelling without full insurance and only with an E111 card, the community first rallied round to help pay for ongoing treatment but are now seeking to raise money to get her body home – a cost the family believe could be at least £6,000.

Since falling ill, pubs and clubs in the area have been raising cash through raffles and events.

During Saturday's walk, donation buckets were filled as the dozens-strong crowd made their way from Bishop Auckland Market Place to West Auckland Working Men's Club, while friends were busy bag-packing at Tesco Extra, in St Helen Auckland.

Jonathan added: "We would like to say a massive thank you to people who have donated."

Thanks were also passed on from Mr Proudfoot, who is still in Spain, and who has previously been widowed.

Mr Proudfoot said: "I would like to say thank you to everybody personally for what they have done. I can't believe what people have done to help."

The fundraising total is not yet known.

Anyone wishing to donate can contact a family member directly or call close friend Julie Redfern on 07974462841.

The family added thanks to Creative Graphics, Paul Iceton, Rachel Bainbridge and family, Gillian Bradley and Angela Clarke.