A FUND set up by a teenage cancer sufferer now totals £68,000.

Sarah Thompson died three years ago, aged 20, after suffering from the lymphatic cancer Hodgkin's Disease.

She started raising money when she was 15 for the world-famous Christie Hospital where she was treated by holding a garden party at her home at Starling Road, Radcliffe.

After she died, her mother and stepfather Margaret and Alan Fletcher, carried on the fund raising.

The latest donation of £30,000 was presented to Dr John Radford, consultant physician and senior lecturer in medical oncology.

He said: "This is a magnificent achievement and the latest phase of a fund-raising effort that has continued for several years.

"I am deeply impressed by Margaret and Alan's commitment."

Christie Appeals Director Angela Roden added: "We are immensely grateful for all their hard work, time and commitment in continuing the appeal in memory of Sarah."

The money will be used to boost the hospital's £200,000 LEAP appeal for an eight-bed extension to the Leukaemia Unit.

Sarah's father also died from Hodgkin's Disease. Her mother Margaret said of Sarah's fund raising: "She expected to raise about £100, but when the final total was £800, she became more ambitious and organised a couple of very successful gala dinners.

"After Sarah's death, the dinners were continued in her memory.

Margaret praised the support they have received, particularly from Neil Nuckley (correct) and Colin Bell from Bury who have both completed the London Marathon twice to raise money.

Sarah was a pupil at Bury Grammar School, which has donated about £15,000 and was taking A Levels at Stand College where students have donated about £3,000 from discos held annually since her death.

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