A CANCER survivor has donated the spare time she had in lockdown to helping others.

Darlington resident Liz Lillie beat cancer of the oesophagus two years ago after multiple operations at James Cook Hospital.

During that time she began receiving treatment for her pain at the hospitals Holistic Centre, which helps cancer patients deal with pain through a selection of wellness treatments including massage, acupuncture, reflexology as well as emotional support such as counselling.

"I work at Teesside University but when it closed during the lockdown, I had a lot of spare time on my hands so I began baking everyday to keep occupied, then I'd deliver the cakes to James Cook." said Ms Lillie.

"Then I then joined forces with my neighbour Wendy McGuinness to set up a socially-distanced neighbourhood bake sale, bingo and a raffle to keep spirits up locally."

Ms Lillie said that lockdown brought her neighbourhood closer together, and gave many a purpose to safely leave their house.

Through the events the pair raised £383 for The Holistic Centre where Ms Lillie underwent her treatment, but both decided to donate the extra money to reach £500.

"It's spreading a bit of much needed kindness to people who really need it," she said.