RELATIVES and friends of a woman whose death led to her daughters meeting the Queen are organising a charity night in celebration of her life.

Jane Ashley, 37, of Darlington, lost her year-long battle with cancer two days before the death of the Queen Mother.

Her daughters, Rebecca, eight, and Harriet, four, were chosen as the joint winners of The Northern Echo's search to find a youngster to present Darlington's bouquet to the Queen last week.

Mrs Ashley's husband, Paul, of Elton Road, Darlington, watched proudly as his daughters spoke to the Queen as part of the monarch's Golden Jubilee visit to the town, last Wednesday.

The charity event, at Mowden Park Rugby Club, Yiewsley drive, Darlington, takes place on June 7, and will raise cash for two hospices.

Because St Teresa's Hospice, in Darlington, is unable to provide 24-hour care, Mrs Ashley was unable to go there.

But she was able to receive round-the-clock care at the Butterwick Hospice, Stockton.

Mrs Ashley was diagnosed with breast cancer in March last year but, after a promising start to this year, at the end of February she learned that the cancer had spread to her brain.

The charity event organisers wanted to raise money for the Butterwick Hospice, but also to help St Teresa's.

They are hoping to get donations from individuals, as well as raffle prizes for the evening from businesses in the area.

Tickets for the charity event, which includes live music and food donated by Pickersgill Homes, cost £12.50.

To find out more about the night, or how to make donations, contact Dee Wastnedge, at 12 Blackwell Grove, Darlington, telephone (01325) 460998.

Any cheques sent through the post should be made payable to either of the hospices.