A LEADING haematologist will pick up a cheque for the Royal Blackburn Hospital in memory of a Darwen woman who died of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, aged 49.

Dr David Newsome treated Gail Hayes, of Blackburn Road, for 18 months, before she died in October.

Gail's mother, Rita Johnson, collected money instead of flowers from her funeral, and held a jewellery night to raise money.

She is hoping to present Dr Newsome with £1,500 at a special quiz night on Friday, February 22 at Darwen Cricket Club.

All money raised on the night will go to helping other patients undergoing chemotherapy through Dr Newsome's Haemotology Fund.

Gail was assistant cook at Darwen Vale High School, where she worked for 20 years. She leaves two sons, Dominic and Daniel and a husband, Allan.

She was a keen badminton player, for Whitehall in the Blackburn League and Bamber Bridge in the Mid Lancs League.

The event at Darwen Cricket Club is headlined by music from Coolers. There will be a raffle with generous prizes on the night.

Tickets cost £5 and include potatoe pie supper.

To book a ticket or donate to the fund, call Rita on 01254 774163 or Allan on 01254 601827.