RIDERS and their horses turned out to support a hospital unit which cared for a friend suffering from leukaemia.
Susan Chapman's friends at Ivesley Equestrian Centre, near Esh Winning, raised more than £700 for the chemotherapy and haematology ward at Sunderland Royal Infirmary, where she was treated for acute myloid leukaemia.
Mrs Chapman, 47, of Washington, is in remission and looking forward to the birth of her first grandchild in September.
She attended the event with husband Peter and 19-year-old daughter Claire, and hopes to be well enough soon to ride her horse Stella, who is at the centre.
Mrs Chapman said: "Everyone at the hospital was marvellous.
"They are so calm and supportive.
"I wanted to find a way of thanking them and raising money for the ward seemed the obvious thing.
"I can't believe that so many friends, other clients at Ivesley and the staff turned out to support us. It was brilliant."
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