THE family of a woman who raised more than £30,000 for cancer charities while battling the disease herself are continuing her fundraising work.

Margaret Unsworth's husband Chris and their two sons and two daughters have raised another £10,000 for Bury Hospice and Christie Hospital since her death in June.

The mother-of-four died at Bury Hospice at the age of 42 after a four-and-a-half year fight against cancer, which had spread into her bones and spine.

Even during the latter stages of her illness, Margaret, of Stonedelph Close, Ainsworth, battled on to raise money, and continued to look after her four children: Natalie (14), Jack (12), Georgina (10), and Chris (9).

Since her death, husband Chris (39) has organised a number of events to carry on Margaret's work, including summer balls at the Reebok Stadium and a garden party.

Chris said: "Margaret was in and out of Bury Hospice throughout her illness, and she spent the last two weeks of her life there. They let me stay with her, and it gave me a real insight into what life is like there. I'd never realised before what they do there and that they rely on charitable donations.

"The staff at the hospice did so much for me and Margaret, and it would be a crime if I didn't do something to repay them for everything. Raising the money is a way for me to thank them and to help other people in the same position."

And last Friday, Chris and the couple's daughter, Natalie, raised more than £2,000 by performing in a cabaret as part of a charity night at Elton Liberal Club.

The evening, called Songs For Margaret in memory of Mrs Unsworth, involved performances of songs from musicals, some of Margaret's favourite tunes, and a swing and jazz section.

The performers were all members of Starstruck Studios, the performing arts studio which Natalie joined four years ago, and Chris two years ago.

Joanna Astley, studio owner, said: "Margaret attended lots of our shows and really supported the group, so we wanted to do something for her. Everyone really liked Margaret, and this was our way of showing it."

Chris and Natalie have also recorded a CD of them singing together to raise even more money for the hospice, and are continuing to plan more charity events.

Anyone interested in buying the CD should contact the hospice on 0161 725 9800 or visit the centre at Dumers Lane in Radcliffe.

Chris added: "It seems like every time I see people, I'm asking them for money. It is all going to good causes though, and people have a good time on the night. I'm definitely going to carry on raising as much money as I can for Bury Hospice and Christie's."