A CANCER charity has been given a funding boost thanks to the grateful family of a woman who was cared for by the group.

Leanne Barnes presented a cheque to the Rosemere Cancer Foundation Fund to say thank you for giving her terminally ill mother something to fight for.

Leanne, 34, from Hoddlesden, and dad Alan, 73, from Sunny Bower, Blackburn, raised £1,300 for the charity after mum Pearl Barnes died at the end of June, aged 62.

She said: "A lot of people have given their time and effort to helping my mum and I thought it would be nice to say thank you.

"These people's hard work and compassion deserves some recognition.

"My mum was diagnosed at the same time as I found out I was pregnant with my son, Ben. Knowing I was expecting her grandchild and the support she received at Preston was what kept her going."

The fund is based at the Royal Preston Hospital, where Mrs Barnes was first diagnosed with lung cancer.

Leanne, who runs Barnes Little Harwood Confectioners in Whalley Old Road, said the treatment and the staff there were "brilliant".

So to repay their dedication she asked for donations from the funeral to be made out to the fund instead of receiving flowers.

She has also thanked CMS Computing, where her mum used to work, who gave £400 to the fund and Tia Ferrigno, a Volunteer co-ordinator for the fund, for her friendship and support.

Pearl Barnes died of a suspected cardiac arrest at Queen's Park Hospital in Blackburn on July 25 after being admitted with sickness. An inquest will be held on August 26.