A GRIEVING family has raised thousands of pounds in memory of a relative lost to cancer, after leading a 200-strong sponsored walk.

Mother-of-three Estelle Jelley died of breast cancer on Saturday, March 2, last year - only three days before her 46th birthday and silver wedding anniversary.

Since her death, her husband, Jon, 52, and children Craig, 20, Lisa, 24, and Carla, 13, have been raising funds for charity in her memory.

The family, from Huntley Cresent, Winlaton, Gateshead, revived a sponsored walk that Estelle had started in memory of her father, Jack.

More than 200 friends and supporters joined in the ten-mile walk, which started and ended at the Highlander Inn, in Gateshead.

The Jelleys also organised a party at the Hallgarth Club, Winlaton, and a collection at Newcastle's Sugar nightclub.

Their efforts have raised £12,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Mr Jelley said: "The walk was a very special way for us to remember Estelle.

"It was an opportunity for her friends and family to celebrate her life and say goodbye.

"We wanted to do something positive because that is what Estelle would have wanted and by raising money for Cancer Research UK, we have highlighted the need for research into the disease."

Suzanne Bunn, Cancer Research UK community fundraiser, said: "We are very grateful for all the time and effort the Jelley family have put into raising money for Cancer Research UK over the past year."