A CANCER survivor who has dedicated countless hours to fundraising after being diagnosed with the disease is putting on Christmas events for charity.

Chris Sewell, from Sherburn Village, has raised more than £19,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support since being diagnosed with breast cancer eight years ago, shortly after suffering a stroke.

The 71-year-old, who is a retired teacher, is now a Macmillan volunteer fundraising and dedicating much of her time to supporting the charity.

She said: "I just want to give something back to Macmillan because of what they did for me. Their support was amazing."

She added: "I've got a really good team of people who help with collections and planning the events."

Tickets are on sale for the Rocking Around the Christmas Tree event, which takes place at Sherburn Village Club on Friday, December 6.

Performances include Pittington Brass Band and the Rock Choir and there will also be a raffle and tombola.

Tickets are £6 and are available from the venue or from Mrs Sewell by calling 0191 5979233.

She is also organising a coffee morning on Friday, December 20, which takes place at The Garden House Inn, in Framwellgate Peth, Durham.

Pittington Brass Band will be playing Christmas music at the event, which takes place between 10am and 12noon.

Michelle Muir, the charity's senior fundraising manager for County Durham and Washington, said: "We couldn't do it without support from people like Christine.

"All the money she raises will go to support local people affected by cancer.

"We only reach one in two people affected by cancer which means we're only reaching 50 per cent of people. The money Christine raises is vital in helping us reach the other 50 per cent."

Money raised will go to projects like Durham Not Alone, which tries to make sure no-one has to go through treatment by themselves, and an information service at the University Hospital of North Durham.

For more information about fundraising email mmuir@macmillan.org.uk or call 07809554967.