FIVE years ago this week, wellwishers donated almost £15,000 in memory of a young woman who died of cancer a day before she was due to get married.

Anna Swabey, 25, passed away at her home in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, on Friday, September 16, 2016, nearly two years after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

She was due to marry her fiancé, Andy Bell, in the Richmond area on Saturday, September 17, 2016.

The former York College and Mount School pupil had been working towards raising £100,000 for Brain Tumour Research – a target which looked set to be met by the time her funeral was held, after her story moved many to donate to the fund in her honour.

The running total stood at £98,000 when this report was first published. Her sister Victoria said her family were “amazed by the tremendous support she has received."

Wendy Fulcher, founder of the Brain Tumour Research Campaign, said: “People have responded so generously with donations in Anna’s memory. “The total raised so far is climbing steadily towards the £100,000 target which she had set herself.

“Andy and all of Anna’s family are so touched by the outpouring of love and admiration for this remarkable young woman.

“Sadly, Anna’s story is not unique. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer… yet just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research is allocated to this devastating disease.

“In addition to raising money, Anna wanted people to be more aware of brain tumours and the underfunding of research into the disease.

“The news of her death, all the more tragic as it came the day before she and Andy had planned to marry, has been reported around the world.

“She would have been pleased with that.”

Also that week, an inspirational man who gave up a career in a high-end supermarket to launch a charity to help disabled and disadvantaged children get into sport is on the road to raising £1million.

Chris Read, of Barnard Castle, set up the A Smile for

A Child charity seven years ago while on sabbatical from his career at Waitrose and as a keen marathon runner, decided to give something back.

The charity gives out grants of between £500 and £1,000 and larger ones where needed which allows disabled or disadvantaged children or clubs to buy specialist sports equipment so they can participate in activities other children might take for granted.

Finally, a family was reunited after more than 30 years.

Long lost cousins Terry Hanlon, of Hartlepool, and Jenny Keshav were reunited after Mr Hanlon contacted a business which ordinarily specialises in tracking down relatives of recently deceased people.

As well as the cousins, Mr Hanlon’s 84-year-old mother, Cath Hanlon, and Ms Keshav’s 24-year-old daughter, Gemma, finally had the chance to meet.