BRAVE Linda Carr has raised £12,500 for Christie Hospital with the help of friends and family.

It took the mother of one from Lostock, who is battling against cancer, just over a year to raise the bumper sum.

A cheque has just been presented to the hospital's Dr Tony Howell, whom together with his staff has helped Linda to maintain a life as normal as possible.

The cash is to be spent on new research into cancer.

"We've just been overwhelmed by everybody's continuing support and generosity," said 38-year-old Linda.

"We started with a couple of thousand pounds and it has just built up -- which gives you the enthusiasm to continue."

Fundraising was kick-started in August 1997 with a triathlon attended by friends and family.

Since then, many have stepped in and helped the cause.

A coaching session at Heaton Cricket Club raised £400 and Linda's uncle in Stafford opened up his beautiful garden to the public to raise £450.

The legacy of a friend's twin brother, John Hawarden from Horwich, also added to the total. John died aged 36 in Benidorm where he worked as a chef after a tragic accident last year.

Church Road School pupil Laura, a friend's granddaughter, raised £200 with a sponsored swim and Lostock School -- son Thomas is a pupil there -- raised £350 with last year's nativity play.

Friends with milestone birthdays requested donations in aid of the Linda Carr Appeal instead of cards and presents and Hayward School raised £3665 through a host of events.

Two friends boosted funds by donating commissions they earned, one from catalogue sales, the other from an underwear party.

A further £1000 was added to the total with money raised at the annual party of a local singles and divorcees club and a group of Indian ladies held a summer fair and contributed £300.

Recently, Linda Carr herself raised a final £600 by organising a coffee morning.

"People have been very good. One of the many things you realise is how many lovely, kind and generous people there are out there," said Linda, who recently visited a Cancer Research campaign laboratory, to see the work they do with her own eyes.

Regional Appeals Officer at Christie Hospital, Jackie Plant, said they are "very proud" of Linda.

"She's a courageous lady," said Jackie.

"She has been quite poorly at times, but she has always bounced back."

The money raised will be put to "very, very good use," she said.

"They've done exceptionally well in a short period of time."

Linda -- who has undergone three lots of chemotherapy so far -- has vowed to carry on the fundraising campaign. Anyone who would like to help can write to her father, Mr J Cardwell, at 203 Church Road, Smithills, Bolton BL1 6HJ.

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