A MEMORIAL road race is being held for the wife of one of Bolton's most prolific fundraisers.

Joan Rhodes, the wife of Jim Rhodes, lost a five-month battle with cancer in December, ending a long fundraising partnership which saw the pair collect thousands for North-west charities.

Jim has vowed to keep up his charity work, starting with a darts event at the Stopes Tavern, Little Lever, on January 9, where two-times world darts champion Dennis Priestley will be making an appearance.

The mile-long road race, named The Joan Rhodes Memorial Mile, will take place on Tuesday, March 16, at 6.45pm, setting off from Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough, near Rochdale.

All proceeds from the race will be donated to Ward F4 at North Manchester General Hospital, where Mrs Rhodes, aged 63, was treated.

Jim, chairman of the Lancashire Darts Association, said that, without his wife, his fundraising exploits would have been impossible.

"She's helped me to raise £23,000 in as many years for charity," he said. "Without her, all this would not have happened.

"I will still continue raising money and the road race will go to the ward on the hospital where she was given excellent care while she was ill. I'd also like to thank everyone who has given the family support."

The dedicated pair have also brought in money for Fairfield Hospital's Baby Unit, Age Concern, the British Heart Foundation and the Royal British Legion.

The couple were married for 43 years.

Darts player Joan was also crowned Bolton Mixed Pairs Champion, along with England player Jack Hardy in the late '70s.