A WOMAN celebrated the birthday that doctors had feared she would not reach by raising money for the two hospitals that saved her life.

Five years ago, Lyn Hornsby, of Kirk Merrington, near Spennymoor, was given two years to live when a blood clot was found in one of her lungs.

But at the weekend, she defied doctors' predictions and celebrated her 50th birthday in style with a party at the Freemasons' Lodge, in Ferryhill.

Not usually one for a fuss or presents, Mrs Hornsby asked friends and family to make a donation instead of giving gifts and collected £1,000.

The money is to be shared between the Papworth Hospital, in Cambridge, where she had a life-saving operation, and the Freeman Hospital, in Newcastle, where she received treatment and continues to attend for quarterly checks.

She said: "I feel lucky and grateful to be alive, I wanted to use the birthday to raise money for the two hospitals that have been good to me. Hopefully, it will help them help other people like me."